Charcot Feet/Ankles

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a condition that affects some people with decreased feeling in their feet. The decreased feeling can be from a variety of medical issues, typically diabetes and back problems. In the Charcot foot, the decreased feeling can lead to multiple fractures, essentially causing the foot or ankle to internally collapse. This then puts patients at risk for non-healing wounds and infections, which can lead to serious complications like amputation.

There are generally two treatment options for Charcot, either bracing the leg with a large boot to prevent further collapse and wounds, or reconstructing the foot back to something that is functional. These surgeries are often very complex, but can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life for those that undergo them.