Surgical reconstruction of the diabetic foot: a salvage approach for midfoot collapse

Foot Ankle Int. 1996 Jun;17(6):325-30. doi: 10.1177/107110079601700605.

Abstract

Between 1985 and 1993, 18 patients representing 21 feet underwent surgical reconstruction for diabetic neuroarthropathy with collapse of the midfoot. Forty-seven percent (10/21) of these feet presented with plantar pressure ulcers. Reconstruction involved reduction and fusion of collapsed joints, using internal fixation to restore foot shape and improve weightbearing alignment. The average follow-up in these patients was 28 months (range, 6-84 months). Limb salvage was obtained in 18 of 21 feet. Average time to radiographic union was 5 months (range, 3-9 months). Improvement in shoe fit and ambulatory status was noted for 13 of the 15 patients who had successful reconstruction. Forty-seven percent of the reviewed cases were without any complication throughout their postoperative course. Seventy percent of the presenting ulcers healed without incident. There were no recurrent midfoot ulcers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthropathy, Neurogenic / surgery
  • Bone Screws
  • Diabetic Foot / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot Deformities / surgery
  • Foot Ulcer / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metatarsal Bones / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Shoes
  • Tarsal Bones / surgery
  • Walking / physiology
  • Weight-Bearing
  • Wound Healing