Tag Archives: Charcot Neuroarthropathy

Delayed Diagnosis of Charcot and Successful Utilization of Internal and External Fixation: A Case Report

By Bilal Shamsi, BS, Jamil Hossain, BS, Gabriela Mendez, DPM

The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 5 (9): 2

Charcot osteoarthropathy is a chronic progressive disease that can affect those that suffer from any type of peripheral neuropathy, but most commonly seen in the patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Disease progression can lead to devastating consequences such as ulceration, decrease in quality of life, osteomyelitis, deformity and limb loss. Therefore, early recognition and conservative management are hallmarks in the treatment and prevention of the disease. A staple of management includes appropriate offloading with the goal of creating a stable, plantar grade foot. Even with conservative treatment, the disease progression may lead to surgery or amputation. We briefly review the etiology and literature on the surgical management of Charcot as well as present a case report regarding staged surgical intervention utilizing the Taylor Spatial Frame™.

Key Words: Charcot osteoarthropathy, Taylor Spatial Frame™

Accepted: August, 2012
Published: September, 2012

ISSN 1941-6806
doi: 10.3827/faoj.2012.0509.0002


Neuropathic degenerative joint changes associated with tabes dorsalis were first described histopathologically in 1868 by Jean Marie Charcot, a French neurologist. [1]

For many years to follow, tabes dorsalis was considered to be the primary culprit in neuropathic arthropathy, until in 1936, William Reilly Jordan described Charcot’s disease as a complication of diabetic neuropathy. [2]

Other disease processes that may preclude development of foot and ankle Charcot osteoarthropathy (CO) include alcoholism, myelomeningocele, and leprosy. Prevalence of CO varies between .08% – 13.00%, and studies have indicated that two-thirds of those with Charcot foot have type 2 diabetes. [3-6]

More recently, diabetes has become the most common pre-existing etiological factor in the development of osteoarthropathy. [7]
The pathogenesis of Charcot is based on two well documented theories. The neurovascular theory proposes that prolonged autonomic neuropathy leads to a hyperemic state, which leads to bone demineralization and osteopenia. This predisposes the weakened foot to micro-fractures and dislocations. The neurotraumatic theory proposes that CO will develop after repeated trauma occurs to an insensate foot secondary to sensorimotor neuropathy. The loss of intrinsic muscle functions, coupled with an imbalance between flexors and extensors, all support this theory. [8] While both theories exhibit plausibility and indicate CO is due to a combination of the two, neither theory could completely explain the initial inflammatory reaction that is observed. Recent studies have suggested a new ‘inflammatory’ theory that includes the idea of an initial insult, noticed or unnoticed, that triggers an inflammatory cascade manifested by pro-inflammatory cytokines. [9]

Classically, CO’s disease progression is graded through 3 stages, known as the Eichenholtz classification, along with Stage 0 added by Shibata, et al.11 The acute phase, or stage 0, is characterized by erythema and edema, but no radiographic changes are seen. In stage 1, the developmental phase, there is characteristic bone resorption, fragmentation, and joint subluxation. Radiographs reveal evidence of debris formation and osseous fragmentation. Stage 2, or the coalescent phase, involves bone destruction followed by consolidation and fusion. Stage 3, or the reconstructive phase, is characterized by osteogenesis and bone remodeling. Therefore, any deformity that occurs as a result of unstable Charcot foot becomes permanent. [10,11]

The hallmarks of management in the acute phase include reducing the inflammatory process by immobilization, to relieve pain, and to preserve the bony architecture of the foot. Initial treatment in the acute stage involves strict immobilization and offloading [12] although the gold standard of treatment is total contact casting.

Other options include Unna’s boot with below the knee CAM Walker®, non-weightbearing and below the knee cast. It is important to remember that ulceration is not a contraindication to casting. However, casting should not be attempted in the presence of infection. With immobilization and offloading, most ulcers tend to heal. Care must be taken when casting to dorsiflex the foot with an unstable midfoot, instability or Lisfranc’s dislocation. Dorsiflexion at the level of midtarsal joint will increase the deformity and casting in this manner can furthermore progress the deformity. Rearfoot dorsiflexion can be difficult to achieve due to presence of significant equines contracture.

If there is delay in diagnosis or the patient presents late, the disease process progresses; often rapidly. Surgical intervention is usually reserved for obstinate cases such as recurrent ulcerations, osteomyeletis, or when a deformity cannot be managed with bracing or custom shoe gear. [13] Patients often present a challenge to the surgeon as they exhibit multiple co-morbidities. For example, patients can often present with signs and symptoms similar to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous insufficiency or cellulitis. For this reason it is important to acquire a thorough history and physical in these patients, obtain the proper laboratory testing and keep a high index of suspicion for Charcot. This will necessitate sound recognition of the risks versus benefits of surgery. Many of these patients are misdiagnosed and are not properly treated. This ultimately leads to rapid foot break down, ulcers and infections of the bone and soft tissue structures due to inadequate care and misdiagnosis.

Case Report

A 70 year-old Caucasian male presented to a clinician at the Temple Foot and Ankle Institute with a chief concern of severe pain on the lateral aspect of the left foot and an ulcer on the medial plantar heel. The patient was previously being treated by an outside practitioner; where the culture and sensitivity revealed the presence of staphylococcus aureus.

The patient’s medical history was significant for uncontrolled type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic back pain and osteoarthritis. The patient’s past family history, surgical history and social history were all unremarkable.

Upon initial presentation, his review of systems revealed that the patient was mildly febrile with a temperature of 99.4°. A focused lower extremity examination revealed equinus contracture bilaterally and diffuse swelling of the left foot and ankle. Collapsed medial arches of the left foot along with plantar bony prominences were noted. There was severe pain reported in the left foot. An ulcer with the dimension of 6 x 4 cm was located on the lateral aspect of the calcaneus, a granular wound base and mild serosanguinous drainage was observed.

Manual muscle testing revealed no deficits. Protective sensation and vibratory sensation were both absent bilaterally upon examination with Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 monofilament and a tuning fork respectively. Capillary refill time was normal. However, his dorsalis pedis pulses and posterior tibial pulses of the left foot were non palpable due to edema but were obtained using a pulse Doppler. Skin temperature and edema of the left foot was significantly increased compared to the contralateral limb.

Initial radiographic examination of the left foot was negative for osteomyelitis, but revealed minimal mid-tarsal joint collapse along with a possible fracture at the base of the 2nd metatarsal. Extensive soft tissue edema of the entire left foot and left lower extremity, along with osteopenic bone was noted. The Meary’s angle of the left foot was mildly increased to 0.9°. The patient was diagnosed with cellulitis by the evaluating physician at that time and was dismissed from the clinic with prescription for Bactrim® and a Multi Podis® offloading-boot.

Upon his return to clinic approximately 2 months later, he was evaluated by the primary author, and radiographs revealed sub-talar joint dislocation, along with a progression of Meary’s angle to 18.4° and an extensive calcaneal varum deformity of 13.5°.

Note that the Meary’s angle is the most reliable radiographic measurement that can be used to note the progression of the midfoot Charcot arthropathy. An Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was then performed and showed extensive marrow edema of the hindfoot bones with fragmentation compatible with Charcot deformity. MRI could not completely exclude osteomyelitis at the level of fibula and cuboid due to abnormal low marrow signal, but the overall appearance indicated reactive edema. At this point, further microbiology testing revealed that there was a strong presence of Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The patient was then switched to a course of clindamycin instead of Bactrim®.

Approximately 3 months after his initial presentation and failure of all conservative treatment options, including casting, offloading, and CAM Walker®, surgical intervention was then discussed with the patient and his family.

The patient then elected to undergo staged surgical correction for Charcot deformity. The surgical procedure proposed included realigning the STJ utilizing the Taylor Spatial Frame™ followed by beaming of the rearfoot and forefoot in more anatomical position. The corrected position was assessed radiographically using the Meary’s angle and Calcaneal axial angle. Surgical intervention was planned once the ulcer was healed in order to decrease the risk of bone infection.

Upon administration of general anesthesia and use of an ipsilateral pneumatic thigh tourniquet, the patient’s lower extremity was prepped and draped in sterile fashion and attention was initially drawn to the equinus contracture. A Hoke percutaneous tendo- Achilles lengthening was then performed paying particular attention to the medial aspect of the leg. A C-arm was utilized to identify the cuboid, and a trephine was then utilized to obtain a bone specimen of the cuboid to rule out osteomyelitis. The sample was sent for microbiology and pathology for further evaluation which later revealed bone necrosis but no osteomyelitis.

Next, medial and lateral incisions were made along the level of the subtalar joint (STJ) extending from the distal aspect of the fibula and medial malleolus in order to visualize the subtalar joint.

The calcaneus was noted to be subluxed and positioned lateral to the talus intraoperatively. After the release of the subtalar joint, the incision site was primarily closed. This concluded the STJ release portion of the procedure, and following this a partial tendo-Achilles lengthening was performed.

Focus was then given to the tibial fixation. Two 155mm full and 155m long foot rings, part of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF), were placed on the midshaft of the tibia and another on the distal aspect of the tibia utilizing crossed smooth K-wire in orthogonal fashion. The rings were connected to each other by three threaded rods. Application of the foot plate was performed attaching the foot plate to the heel and the metatarsals using two crossing olive wires on each points of fixation.

Appropriate tensions were applied to all crossing wires according to their site of fixation to prevent any excessive movement of the device. Six TSF struts were added to the total configuration which extended from the distal tibial ring to the footplate. Following the application of the device, the STJ was distracted with proper visualization under C-arm to correct the medial calcaneal varus and to distract the STJ to its proper length. This was done using the TSF struts. Intra-operative and postoperative radiographs demonstrate that some significant distraction was achieved.

Next a stirrup wire was added to the frame. It is important to utilize the stirrup wire technique when doing any type of distraction procedure with the TSF to prevent any pain created from the tension of the device. In this case the stirrup wire is inserted into the talar neck directly under fluoroscopy utilizing the lateral view and the wire is then attached to the proximal tibial ring. No tension is required when inserting the stirrup wire. This was to allow distraction of the STJ specifically without distracting the ankle joints or any other joints proximally.

This also reduces pressure and tension on the proximal and distal wires and prevents unnecessary bending of these wires. The patient was then given a TSF prescription which outlines daily strut management. It allows 1mm movement on all of the struts to allow distraction and correction of varus deformity in a slow and progressive manner. X-rays were taken during each visit afterwards to appreciate the distraction and correction of the translational and varus deformity as noted previously. This was noted via Meary’s angle which went from 18.4°, eventually progressing to 2.1°.

The patient was prophylaxed for DVT and was discharged uneventfully after a brief hospital stay. He then returned to the clinic weekly thereafter for dressing changes and management, and thus the postoperative course for the first staged intervention was uneventful.

The patient returned to the operating room at 12 weeks, after finishing two course of the TSF prescription, for removal of the frame, and to undergo a triple arthrodesis and midfoot fusion with beaming. Following administration of general anesthesia and application of a pneumatic thigh tourniquet, bone marrow aspiration utilizing the Ignite system allowed for collection of 6 cc of bone marrow aspirate at the proximal medial tibia. The existing pins were removed, showing no signs of infection or purulent drainage, followed by the removal of the TSF.

Postoperatively, it was approximated that there was 0-5* degrees of valgus of the hindfoot and forefoot was neutral to the rearfoot. The patient had no complications and went on to have an unremarkable postoperative course. To date, the patient is 1 year postoperative, ambulating, and is without complications (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6).

Figure 1 Preoperative anteroposterior and medial oblique radiographs showing severe talar head dislocation.

Figure 2  Preoperative lateral radiograph showing midfoot collapse.

Figure 3 Postoperative anteroposterior radiograph showing external fixation via Taylor Spatial Frame.™

Figure 4 Postoperative lateral radiograph showing external fixation via Taylor Spatial Frame.™

Figure 5  Three months postoperatively, the anteroposterior and medial oblique radiographs show arthrodesis with medial and lateral column beaming.

Figure 6 Three month postoperative lateral radiograph showing arthrodesis and beaming allowing for a stable, plantigrade foot.

The patient was seen with no pain to the left foot and ankle. He had excellent dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. His only complaint at this time was heel pain.

Upon clinical examination it was noted that the foot was in plantigrade position and there were no increase in temperature. His gait was noted to be calcaneal gait. The patient presented with diabetic shoes and he has been going through physical therapy. It was discussed with the patient that his gait was calcaneus gait. He had limited plantarflexion which limited push-off and put more force on his heel. Gel pads were dispensed for further comfort. X-rays showed no bony changes and complete consolidation of the areas. He has had no ulceration since the procedures. The areas corresponding with the screw insertion were asymptomatic.

Discussion

Currently there are no comparative studies that have been published in regards to the surgical choices for CO treatment. The timing of surgical intervention remains controversial due to this lack of literature & there is insufficient data indicating a support for a particular approach, be it internal or external fixation.14 The Taylor Spatial Frame as methods of achieving an acceptable outcome in the Charcot patient is relatively new, with sparse literature reported in regards to Charcot deformity. [15,16]

While comparative studies of external versus internal fixation remain elusive in the treatment of CO deformity, anecdotal literature does exist in regards to correction of foot and ankle deformity utilizing the Ilizarov frame. El-Gafary, et al., reported that arthrodesis controlled by Ilizarov frame was a successful means of achieving a stable, plantigrade foot in 20 patients studied.17 In a non-peer reviewed retrospective of 100 CO patients managed with the Ilizarov frame, Cooper found a 96% salvage rate, with only 5 developing CO on the ipsilateral side after removal of the initial frame, and 2 resulting in a BKA. [18] The Ilizarov frame demonstrates efficacy, but is not without its share of complications including but not limited to pin-tract infections, skin necrosis, osteomyelitis and hardware failure.

The most common complication is reported to be pin tract infections with frequencies reported as high as 60%. [19] A retrospective review conducted by Rogers, et al., of 15 patients who underwent Charcot reconstruction or soft-tissue unloading surgery over a 12 month period reported that 31% percent experienced serious pin tract infections, 25% pin fractures, and 56% wound dehiscence. [20]

More recently, Grant, et al., performed a retrospective study on the use of beaming the medial and lateral columns on radiographic alignment in 71 Charcot foot reconstructions over a 14 year period. They reported a low-rate of 6% fixation failure and reported that beaming either one or both columns statistically improved radiographic alignment as well as maintained surgical correction. [21]

The Taylor Spatial Frame™ as a surgical modality is also not without its complications such as hardware failure, pin tract infections, fractures, skin necrosis and operator error. Successful application of the TSF involves appropriate deformity planning, familiarity with the TSF software and additional training. Patient compliance is also an essential factor to a successful outcome.

There are some distinct advantages of the TSF over the traditional Ilizarov hardware. It is generally less time consuming to construct and the mounting process is deemed to be easier than Ilizarov. TSF also allows for multiaxial deformity correction and protect at-risk structures, all the while allowing for ease of postoperative strut adjustment. [22]

The treatment of Charcot remains a challenge to patients and surgeons alike. While huge strides have been made in increasing the knowledge available in treatment modalities, concrete research is needed, specifically peer-reviewed prospective comparative studies on the efficacy of internal and external fixation methods in the management of CO. [23]

Conclusion

Appropriate judgment as well as sound knowledge and application of surgical modalities are vital for treatment of advanced stages of CO. Application of external and internal fixation described here are the surgeon’s preference in the management of progressive and unstable CO. It is known that the number of patients with diabetes is increasing, and with that, we can expect that there will be rise in reported CO. Recently, an international taskforce of experts on Charcot agreed that surgical management could be considered a primary treatment modality due to the common failures of non-surgical management Thus far, the data has been inconclusive in terms of determining whether one form of fixation (internal, external or combined) is better than the other. Despite numerous studies and increasing knowledge of the pathogenesis and management of Charcot, it remains a complex and challenging syndrome for the foot and ankle surgeon to treat successfully. The TSF is another modality, which despite lacking evidence-based studies in the treatment of Charcot, can be added to the foot and ankle surgeon’s armament in the management of this difficult condition.

References

1. Charcot JM. Sur Quelques arthropathies qui paraissent dependre d’une lesion du cerveau ou de la moelle epiniere. Arch Physiol Norm Pathol 1868 1: 161-178. [PubMed]
2. Jordan WR. Neuritic manifestations in diabetes mellitus. Arch Intern Med 1936 57: 307-366.
3. Shibuya N, La Fontaine J, Frania SJ. Alcohol induced neuroarthropathy in the foot: A case series and review of literature. J Foot Ankle Surg 2008 47: 118-124. [PubMed]
4. NagarkattI DG, Banta JV, Thompson JD. Charcot arthropathy in spina bifida. J Pediatric Orthop 2000 20: 82-87. [PubMed]
5. Horibe S, Tada K, Nagano J. Neuroarthropathy of the foot in leprosy. JBJS 1988 70B: 481-485. [PubMed]
6. Frykberg RG, Belczyk R. Epidemiology of the Charcot Foot. Clin in Podiat Med Surg 2008 25:17-28. [PubMed]
7. Armstrong D, Peters E. Charcot’s Arthropathy of the foot. International Diabetes Monitor 2001 13:1-5. [PubMed]
8. Molines L, Darmon P, Raccah D. Charcot’s foot: Newest findings on its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Diabetes Metabolism 2010 36: 251-255. [PubMed]
9. Jeffcoate WJ, Game F, Cavanagh PR. The role of proinflammatory cytokines in the cause of neuropathic osteoarthropathy (acute Charcot foot) in diabetes. Lancet 2005 366: 2058-2061. [PubMed]
10. Eichenholtz SN. Charcot Joints. Springfield, IL. Charles C Thomas, 1966.
11. Shibata T, Tada K, Hashizume C. The results of arthrodesis of the ankle for leprotic neuroarthropathy. JBJS 1990 72A: 749-756. [PubMed]
12. Botek G, Anderson M, Taylor R. Charcot neuroarthropathy: An often overlooked complication of diabetes. Cleveland Clinic J Medicine 2010 77: 593-599. [PubMed]
13. Petrova N, Edmonds M. Charcot Neuro-Osteoarthropathy – Current Standards. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2008 24 (Suppl 1): S58-S61.[PubMed]
14. Wukich DK. Sung W. Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle: modern concepts and management review. J Diabetes Complications 2009 23: 409-426. [PubMed]
15. Zgonis et al. Surgical Management of the unstable diabetic Charcot deformity using the Taylor spatial frame. Clin Podiatr Med Surg 2006 2: 467-483.
16. Lamm BM, Gottlieb HD, Paley D. A two-stage percutaneous approach to Charcot diabetic foot reconstruction. J Foot Ankle Surg 2010 49: 517-522. [PubMed]
17. El-Gafary et al. The Management of Charcot joint disease affecting the ankle and foot by arthrodesis controlled by an Ilizarov frame. JBJS 2009 91B: 1322-1325.
18. Cooper PS. Application of external fixators for management of Charcot deformities of the foot and ankle. Foot Ankle Clin 2002 7: 207-254. [PubMed]
19. Wukich DK, Belczyk RJ, Burns PR, Frykberg RG. Complications encountered with circular ring fixation in persons with diabetes mellitus. Foot Ankle International 2008 29: 994-1000. [PubMed]
20. Rogers LC, Bevilacqua NJ, Frykberg RG, Armstrong DG. Predictors of postoperative complications of Ilizarov external ring fixators in the foot and ankle. J Foot Ankle Surg 2007 46: 372-375. [PubMed]
21. Grant WP, Garcia-Lavin S, Sabo R. Beaming the columns for Charcot diabetic foot reconstruction: A retrospective analysis. J Foot Ankle Surg 2011: 1-8. [PubMed]
22.Wukich DK, Belcyzk RJ. An introduction to the Taylor spatial frame for foot and ankle applications. Oper Tech Orthop 2006 16: 2-9. [Website]
23. Roukis TS, Zgonis T. The management of acute Charcot fracture-dislocations with the Taylor’s spatial external fixation system. Clin Podiatr Med Surg 2006 23: 467-483. [PubMed]


Address correspondence to: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 8th & Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Department of Surgery. Email: Gabriela.mendez@temple.edu

1  Submitted as 4th year student, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Philadelphia, PA
2  Submitted as 4thyear student, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
3  Clinical Assistant Professor, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine – Dept of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA

© The Foot and Ankle Online Journal, 2012

Protected Weight Bearing During Treatment of Acute Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A case series

by Jeremy J. Cook, DPM,MPH,CPH, Emily A. Cook, DPM,MPH,CPH

The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 4 (7): 1

Standard of care in the treatment of acute Eichenholtz stage I Charcot neuroarthropathy includes complete non-weight bearing immobilized with total contact casting. This small case series of three patients focuses on patients with acute phase midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy treated with non-casting immobilization therapy. All patients were male with a mean age of 48.7 (range 46-53) years. Patients were instructed to assume complete non-weight bearing during treatment. Due to financial restrictions, all patients reported fully weight bearing in the non-removable immobilization boot because of work related obligations. Immobilization therapy lasted a mean duration of 90.3 days (range 76 – 133 days) and was discontinued once there was clinical resolution of inflammation and osseous stability. Serial radiographs revealed absence of deformity progression and eventual consolidation in all cases. All patients remained ulcer and callus free during immobilization therapy, without progression of a rocker-bottom deformity, while fully weight bearing and maintaining full-time manual labor employment. This preliminary case series adds to the evidence base that it may be possible to allow protected weight bearing during acute phase Charcot neuroarthropathy with adequate immobilization of the foot at all times.

Key words: Diabetes, Charcot neuroarthropathy, Foot Deformity, Casting, Foot fractures, Diabetic Foot.

Accepted: June, 2011
Published: July, 2011

ISSN 1941-6806
doi: 10.3827/faoj.2011.0407.0001


Charcot neuroarthropathy is an increasingly common clinical entity encountered by foot and ankle professionals. In the early decades of the last century syphilis was the most commonly associated etiology. That has changed with the advent of insulin and the resulting extended survival of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.

Delay in diagnosis and patient non-compliance can result in severe destruction of the foot and ankle with permanent disability from ulceration, infection, and eventual amputation. [1-14]

The standard of care for treatment of Eichenholtz stage 115 Charcot neuroarthropathy has been immobilization in a total contact cast and complete non-weight bearing. [16-20] The period of non-weight bearing immobilization should last until erythema, edema, and warmth subside and the foot becomes stable and consolidated enough to prevent anatomic destruction while ambulating. This process has been reported to last anywhere from a few months to over two years. [20-26]

Total contact casts (TCC) have been shown in numerous studies to be an effective immobilization device in the treatment of acute Charcot neuroarthropathy. [5,7-14,16-20]

It is recommended that TCCs be changed frequently in order to prevent cast irritation, ulceration and to maintain immobilization as edema subsides. Minor complications such as skin irritation are anticipated with TCC. The risk of major complications such as ulceration and infection can be minimized with proper application techniques, as well as frequent casts changes, which permit careful monitoring, and adequate patient education. [27] Many centers have specially-trained orthotists who apply TCCs on a routine basis. Most studies support changing TCCs for the treatment of Stage I Charcot neuroarthropathy every 1-2 weeks. [11,13,17,19,22,27-31] Some institutions have allowed weight bearing in the TCC due to its inherent stability with success in preliminary reports. [9,27-31]

Although weight bearing during stage I of Charcot neuroarthropathy is controversial, many patients tend to be non-compliant. This is because this period of prolonged non-weight bearing may be detrimental in quality of life and may pose to be an unacceptable disability. [32,33] While the alternative may be amputation, advances in immobilization technology may allow protected weight bearing during the early stages of Charcot without the development of severe deformity. [34,35] The purpose of this study was to report results of acute Stage 1 Charcot neuroarthropathy in individuals immobilized in a vacuum stabilization boot that maintained full weight bearing.

Case Series

Three consecutive patients presented with acute Stage I Charcot neuroarthropathy over a three month period (November 2009 to January 2010). All three patients had Brodsky type I deformity involving the tarsometatarsal and naviculocuneiform joints. [18] Patients were referred for examination and treated within two weeks of symptom onset. Clinical examination revealed erythema, warmth, and edema involving the midfoot with gross instability, crepitation with midfoot range of motion, and bounding pedal pulses. One patient had diabetic neuropathy while the other two were diagnosed with alcoholic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy was confirmed by the absence to detect the Semmes-Weinstein 10gm monofilament.

Two of the three patients reported a minor injury preceding the Charcot event. The third patient had had previous amputations of digits two and three for localized osteomyelitis secondary to contiguous digital ulcerations. All three patients were male with a mean age of 48.7 (range 46-53) years. All patients presented within two weeks of first symptoms and were ulcer free at the time of initial presentation with this being their first occurrence of Charcot neuroarthropathy. Radiographs were obtained with findings consistent with early signs of Charcot neuroarthropathy. (Fig. 1A and 1B) Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging further confirmed the diagnosis with diffuse bone marrow edema adjacent to the Lisfranc joint.

 

Figure 1A and 1B  Initial anterior posterior (AP) (A) and lateral (B) radiographs demonstrating soft tissue edema with early signs of osteolysis, cortical thickening, fragmentation, and osseous destruction within the tarsometatarsal and naviculocuneiform joints.

All three patients were treated with immobilization in a vacuum stabilization boot (VACOcast®, OPED Inc, Framingham, MA) with instructions to remain strictly non-weight bearing. (Fig. 2) Despite these recommendations, all three patients reported bearing weight on the affected limb in order to prevent loss of their job. All three patients were sole providers in their household with jobs that required extensive manual labor. The patients were compliant in wearing the boot at all times as this was verified through inspecting the undamaged compliance locks on the boot.

Figure 2   In this boot, by removing air from a vacuum cushion, small beads contour around the lower limb and create vacuum stabilization.

Serial monitoring was conducted by clinical examinations and plain radiographs. Patients were kept immobilized in the vacuum stabilization boot until resolution of edema, warmth (examined by palpation with back of hand and fingers and comparing to contra-lateral limb), and clinical stability was achieved. Successive radiographs were taken to ensure the absence of deformity progression every 3-4 weeks. (Fig. 3A, 3B and 3C) Throughout the treatment period each patient maintained normal full weight bearing in the conduct of their full-time jobs.

  

Figure 3A, 3B and 3C  Progression of acute phase of Charcot neuroarthropathy.  AP (A), Oblique (B) and lateral (C) views demonstrate increased osseous destruction and osteolysis.

Patients wore the vacuum stabilization boot for a mean of 90.3 days (range 76 – 133 days). One patient developed a superficial abrasion on the dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint of the second digit. This healed after two weeks of wound care and the additional of padding to the boot in this area. There were no other complications experienced. During the treatment of acute Stage I Charcot neuroarthropathy, all three patients remained ulcer and callus free while ambulating in the immobilization boot. Once the Charcot events had progressed to the consolidation phase, patients were transitioned to accommodative shoes or boots with supportive inserts.

Two of the three patients were compliant with accommodative shoes and molded insoles. After 16 months from the initial presentation, both patients have not developed ulcers, callus, or progression of deformity. (Fig. 4A, 4B and 4C) During the 12 weeks that the third patient was wearing the immobilization boot, the deformity did not progress and the patient remained ulcer and callus free.

  

Figure 4A, 4B and 4C  AP (A), Oblique (B) and lateral (C) views showing progression into chronic Charcot neuroarthropathy with maintenance of anatomic alignment with consolidation of osseous destruction.

However, the third patient did not obtain prescribed accommodative shoes or inserts citing financial limitations. He was subsequently lost to follow-up for five months after completing 12 weeks of immobilization therapy. His Charcot neuroarthropathy had developed a rocker bottom foot deformity and plantar midfoot ulcer after five months of interrupting care.

Discussion

Management of Charcot neuroarthropathy is a complex process which requires flexibility and constant attention. This small case series demonstrates that despite the overt disregard for non-weight bearing management instructions, all patients were able to maintain employment and prevent progression of rocker bottom midfoot deformities during acute Eichenholtz stage I Charcot neuroarthropathy as there was continuous utilization of the vacuum immobilization boot.

Patients were continuously immobilized in a vacuum stabilizing below-knee boot with compliance confirmed by boot locks. There were minimal complications during the acute phase treatment with one patient developing a superficial digital abrasion from the boot. This was identified immediately and rectified by adjusting the boot. Despite fully weight-bearing, a rocker bottom deformity was prevented with adequate and constant immobilization.

Standard of care for acute Eichenholtz stage I traditionally includes total contact casting and complete non-weight bearing to prevent progression of deformity. This has been recently challenged by allowing weight bearing in the total contact cast in combination with frequent cast changes and close monitoring. Two prospective case series have reported successfully preventing deterioration of osseous alignment from acute phase Charcot deformity with weight-bearing total contact casts. [28,29]

The amount of non-restrained cumulative load forces across acute Charcot joints is also believed to increase the amount of deformity progression. By immobilizing the foot with a walking total-contact cast, the acute phase resolved and further progression towards a rocker bottom foot was prevented. [30]

The immobilization boot reported in this study was chosen for several reasons. Total contact casts require frequent changes and proper construction to prevent complications related to this casting technique. This immobilization boot had the advantage of clinical efficiency as no time was necessary beyond properly sizing and fitting the patient and providing instructions on its use. The vacuum boot can be adjusted to accommodate changes in edema. The removable sole allows patients to sleep with the boot without dirtying the linens. It also has a radiolucent frame that permits radiographic evaluation without removal. Finally, the compliance locking straps prevent unknown patient removal. Although none of the affected limbs had an open ulcer necessitating daily care, had local wound care been necessary by a visiting nurse an additional key would have been provided.

Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature. The initial treatment plan did not permit patients to weight bear during acute phase Charcot neuroarthropathy, however, weight bearing did not adversely impact the treatment outcome. Both mechanical and comparative studies are needed to further investigate the ability of nontraditional immobilization devices to effectively prevent osseous deformity in a disease which can cause permanent disability and eventual amputation. Future prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of this immobilization technique. Comparison studies of different immobilization techniques would also be very useful. Finally, the definition of adequate immobilization needs further investigation in order to achieve a balance of prevention of serious Charcot-related complications and quality of life.

Conclusion

Patients with acute Eichenholtz stage I midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy were able to fully weight bear and maintain manual labor employment without development of a rocker bottom foot deformity while wearing a vacuum stabilization below-knee boot. Advances in immobilization therapy may allow improvement in the quality of life in acute phase Charcot neuroarthropathy.

References

1. Holewski, J, Moss KM, Stess RM, Graf PM, Grunfeld C. Prevalence of foot pathology and lower extremity complications in a diabetic outpatient clinic. J Rehab Res and Devel 1989 26: 35-44.
2. Sohn MW, Stuck RM, Pinzur M, Lee TA, Budiman-Mak E. Lower-extremity amputation risk after charcot arthropathy and diabetic foot ulcer. Diabetes Care 2010 33: 98-100.
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Address correspondence to: Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Email: jeremycook@post.harvard.edu

1,2  Clinical Instructors in Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Division of Podiatric Surgery, Department of Surgery.
185 Pilgrim Road, PB Span 3, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. 617-632-7098

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