Use of platelet-rich concentrate and bone marrow aspirate in high-risk patients with Charcot arthropathy of the foot

Arthrodesis in the Deformed Charcot Foot

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a systemic disease that causes fractures, dislocations, and deformities involving the foot and ankle, resulting in substantial risk of ulceration, infection, and function loss. Early recognition and prevention of collapsing foot and ankle are still the best options for the management of patients with diabetic CN. For a successful arthrodesis procedure, the principles of adequate joint preparation, deformity correction, and soft tissue protection and care are essentials, associated with robust fixation (internal and/or external), use of different biological graft options in segmental losses, and prolonged off-loading.

Topical Review: Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Its Clinical Use in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is now commonly used in orthopedic surgery. Animal studies showed promising results for cartilage, bone, and soft tissue healing; however, many of these outcomes have yet to be translated to human models. While there has been an increase in the use of BMAC in foot and ankle procedures, the associated clinical evidence is limited. The purpose of this review is to analyze the existing literature in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BMAC in foot and ankle surgery.

Surgical treatment of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

A wide range of clinical presentations of Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot with concomitant osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes has been described. Existing literature provides an equally diverse list of treatment options. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the outcomes specifically for the surgical management of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes.

METHOD

A systematic review was conducted by three independent reviewers using the following databases and search engines: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), Google Scholar, Ovid, PubMed and Scopus. Search terms used were: Charcot neuroarthropathy, osteoarthropathy, neuro-osteoarthropathy, neurogenic arthropathy, osteomyelitis, midfoot, foot, ankle, diabetes mellitus, ulceration, wound, infection, surgical offloading, diabetic reconstruction, internal fixation, external fixation. Studies meeting the following criteria were included: English language studies, studies published from 1997-2017, patients with diabetes mellitus surgically treated for Charcot neuroarthropathy of the midfoot (specified location) with concomitant osteomyelitis, with or without internal and/or external fixation, follow-up period of six months or more postoperatively, documentation of healing rates, complications, and need for revisional surgery. Studies which were entirely literature reviews, descriptions of surgical-only technique and/or cadaveric studies, patients without diabetes, studies that did not specify location of osteomyelitis and Charcot neuroarthropathy, and treatment proximal to and including Chopart's/midtarsal joint specifically talonavicular, calcaneocuboid, subtalar, ankle were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 13 selected studies, with a total of 114 patients with diabetes of which 56 had surgical treatment for midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis, met the above inclusion criteria and were used for data extraction.

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention for midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes demonstrated a relatively high success rate for a range of procedures including debridement with simple exostectomy, arthrodesis with or without internal or external fixation, and advanced soft tissue reconstruction. However, this systematic review emphasises the need for larger, better designed studies to investigate the efficacy and failure rates of surgical treatment in this group of patients.

Charcot foot reconstruction outcomes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a complex condition characterised by progressive deformity, limited treatment options and a high amputation rate. Surgical reconstruction of Charcot foot has been proposed as a method to preserve the foot. However, limited information exists on the different methods of reconstruction available, their outcomes and complications.

METHODS

We systematically analysed published data from Jan 1993 to Dec 2018 to assess methods of fixation and associated outcomes for the surgical reconstruction in Charcot neuroarthropathy. Statistical analyses were undertaken to determine the amputation rates, return to ambulation and complications associated with these techniques.

RESULTS

A total of 1116 feet (1089 patients) were reported to have undergone reconstruction with significant heterogeneity in patient selection. Of these, 726 (65%) were reported to undergo internal fixation, 346 feet (31%) external fixation and 44 (4%) undergoing simultaneous internal and external fixation. No single technique demonstrated a significant benefit over the other. Overall, the bone fusion rate was 86.1%. Complications directly attributable to the technique employed were noted in 36% of individuals. The reported post-reconstruction amputation rate was only 5.5% with 91% apparently returning to ambulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although no preferential method of fixation was identified, we find that the current options for surgical reconstruction could offer limb salvage with a low amputation risk in a highly selected population. However, the lack of controlled studies, inconsistent reporting of outcomes and heterogeneity of patient selection mean that the quality of evidence is low.

Orthobiologics

Use of orthobiologics in sports medicine and musculoskeletal surgery has gained significant interest. However, many of the commercially available and advertised products are lacking in clinical evidence. Widespread use of products before fully understanding their true indications may result in unknown adverse outcomes and may also lead to increased health care costs. As more products become available, it is important to remain judicial in use and to practice evidence-based medicine. Likewise, it is important to continue advances in research in hopes to improve surgical outcomes. This article reviews clinical evidence behind common orthobiologics in the treatment of foot and ankle pathology.

Optimizing Results in Diabetic Charcot Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the diabetic Charcot foot can be a challenge even for the most experienced foot and ankle surgeon. The first portion of this article discusses the preoperative evaluation with an emphasis on factors that can be modified before surgical reconstruction to help optimize surgical results. The second portion of the article focuses on intraoperative methods and techniques to help improve postoperative outcomes. Surgeons should strive to provide high-quality, cost-effective care by optimizing patient selection and perioperative care. Objective measures of patient outcomes will become increasingly important with the transition from volume-based to value-based care.

A Systematic Review of Current Surgical Interventions for Charcot Neuroarthropathy of the Midfoot

Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot, or Charcot foot, is a pathologic entity of the foot, associated with diabetes mellitus. Owing to the increase of diabetes mellitus in developed nations worldwide, the prevalence of Charcot foot has been increasing. The initial treatment of Charcot foot is often conservative, with methods including bracing, casting, and the use of customized orthopedic shoes. However, many cases of Charcot foot eventually require surgery, because the consequent destabilization of the foot associated with bone, joint, and nerve injury due to the pathology eventually leave patients unable to walk independently. The present systematic review analyzed the published data regarding surgical interventions for midfoot Charcot deformities and estimated the rates of common complications occurring with the surgical modalities studied. The main outcomes of interest analyzed in the present study were postoperative amputation and bony fusion. The included cohort of patients with Charcot foot was very heterogeneous in terms of the demographic and comorbid characteristics. However, even with this heterogeneity, the present study should provide useful information to surgeons in terms of the outcomes after some of the common surgical procedures for midfoot Charcot.

Osseous Healing in Foot and Ankle Surgery with Autograft, Allograft, and Other Orthobiologics

In the surgical treatment of foot and ankle abnormality, many problems require bone grafting for successful osseous union. Nonunion, reconstruction, and arthrodesis procedures pose specific challenges due to bony defects secondary to trauma, malunions, or previous surgery. Nonunion in foot and ankle arthrodesis is a significant risk and is well documented in recent literature. This article is a review of the recent literature regarding the use of bone graft and orthobiologics in foot and ankle surgery.

Assessment of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Bone Marrow Aspirate From Human Calcaneus

Bone marrow aspirates (BMAs), owing to their innate osteogenic potential, are well-documented supplements to osteoconductive and/or osteoinductive materials. The calcaneal body provides foot and ankle surgeons a convenient harvest site with low morbidity and minimal cost. In the present study, we sought to identify and characterize multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in BMAs harvested from the human calcaneal body. Ten healthy patients aged 18 to 65 years were enrolled in the present study. BMAs were harvested from the patients without any reported postoperative complications related to the harvest. Cells isolated from all the aspirates were adherent to culture plates and expressed positive MSC surface markers (CD105, CD90, and CD73) and a low level of negative MSC markers (CD34 and CD45). The cells maintained the ability to proliferate and differentiate into cells of mesenchymal lineages. The BMAs from the human calcaneal body offer a healthy source of multipotent MSCs.

Surgical Treatment Options for the Diabetic Charcot Midfoot Deformity

Management of diabetic Charcot midfoot deformity is one of the most demanding aspects of foot and ankle surgery. Its treatment should aim at reducing the rate of complications, including foot and ankle amputations or limb loss. Attempting reconstruction at Eichenholtz stages I and II carries the risk of infection and loss of fixation. It is advisable to limit surgical reconstruction to Eichenholtz stage III in the absence of any evidence of infection or vascular insufficiency. Achilles lengthening or gastrocnemius-soleus release is an essential initial step in surgery. Addressing the medial foot column first is a key to a successful reconstruction.

The Biology of Bone and Ligament Healing

This review describes the normal healing process for bone, ligaments, and tendons, including primary and secondary healing as well as bone-to-bone fusion. It depicts the important mediators and cell types involved in the inflammatory, reparative, and remodeling stages of each healing process. It also describes the main challenges for clinicians when trying to repair bone, ligaments, and tendons with a specific emphasis on Charcot neuropathy, fifth metatarsal fractures, arthrodesis, and tendon sheath and adhesions. Current treatment options and research areas are also reviewed.

A literature-based guide to the conservative and surgical management of the acute Charcot foot and ankle

Acute Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle presents with the insidious onset of a unilateral acutely edematous, erythematous, and warm lower extremity. The acute stages are typically defined as Eichenholtz Stage 1, or Stage 0, which was first described by Shibata et al. in 1990. The ultimate goal of treatment is maintenance of a stable, plantigrade foot which can be easily shod, minimizing the risk of callus, ulceration, infection, and amputation. The gold standard of treatment is non-weight-bearing immobilization in a total contact cast. Surgical intervention remains controversial. A review of the literature was performed to provide an evidenced-based approach to the conservative and surgical management of acute Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle.

Confronting a dramatic situation: the charcot foot complicated by osteomyelitis

Charcot osteoarthropathy is a serious complication of diabetic neuropathy. Its prevalence in the diabetic population varies in the literature in relation to certain variables, such as the method of assessment, clinical or instrumental; the population studied; and the scope of the selection. This article is intended as a review of the recent literature concerning Charcot osteoarthropathy in its evolution and complications characterized by the development of ulceration and subsequent bone infection. Diagnosis and treatment strategies--either medical or surgical--are discussed both for Charcot arthropathy and osteomyelitis.

Cost comparison: limb salvage versus amputation in diabetic patients with charcot foot

BACKGROUND

The negative impact on health-related quality of life in patients with Charcot foot has prompted operative correction of the acquired deformity. Comparative effectiveness financial models are being introduced to provide valuable information to assist clinical decision making.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients with Charcot foot underwent operative correction with the use of circular external fixation. Thirty-eight (50%) had osteomyelitis. A control group was created from 17 diabetic patients who successfully underwent transtibial amputation and prosthetic fitting during the same period. Cost of care during the 12 months following surgery was derived from inpatient hospitalization, placement in a rehabilitation unit or skilled nursing facility, home health care including parenteral antibiotic therapy, physical therapy, and purchase of prosthetic devices or footwear.

RESULTS

Fifty-three of the patients with limb salvage (69.7%) did not require inpatient rehabilitation. Their average cost of care was $56,712. Fourteen of the patients with amputation (82.4%) required inpatient rehabilitation, with an average cost of $49,251.

CONCLUSIONS

Many surgeons now favor operative correction of Charcot foot deformity. This investigation provides preliminary data on the relative cost of transtibial amputation and prosthetic limb fitting compared with limb salvage. The use of comparative effectiveness models such as this simple attempt may provide valuable information in planning resource allocation for similar complex groups of patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, economic and decision analysis.

The development of a neuropathic ankle following successful correction of non-plantigrade charcot foot deformity

BACKGROUND

The treatment of Charcot foot arthropathy has traditionally involved immobilization during the acute phase followed by longitudinal management with accommodative bracing. In response to the perceived poor outcomes associated with nonoperative accommodative treatment, many experts now advise surgical correction of the deformity, especially when the affected foot is not clinically plantigrade. The significant rate of surgical and medical-associated morbidity accompanying this form of treatment has led surgeons to look for improved methods of surgical stabilization, including the use of the circular ring external fixation.

METHODS

Over a 7-year period, a single surgeon performed surgical correction of non-plantigrade Charcot foot deformity on 171 feet in 164 patients with a statically applied circular external fixator. Following successful correction, five patients developed a neuropathic deformity of the ipsilateral ankle after removal of the external fixator and subsequent weight bearing total contact cast.

RESULTS

Three of the five patients progressed to successful healing of the neuropathic (Charcot) ankle arthropathy following treatment with a series of weightbearing total contact casts. Two underwent successful ankle fusion with retrograde locked intramedullary nailing.

DISCUSSION

This unusual clinical scenario likely represents either a progression of the disease process in the foot or a complication associated with surgical correction of the original neuropathic foot deformity. A better understanding of this observation will likely become apparent as we acquire more experience with this disorder.

Surgical management of Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the foot and ankle is an extremely challenging clinical dilemma and surgical management can be highly complicated. The current literature on this topic is comprised of manuscripts that are retrospective case series and expert opinions. Furthermore, surgery in patients with CN of the foot and ankle is guided by studies with low levels of evidence to support our current surgical practices.

METHODS

A Medline/CINAHL search was performed and a systematic review of articles discussing the surgical management of CN was undertaken.

RESULTS

Ninety-five articles fit the inclusion criteria for our study. As hypothesized, all reports detailing the surgical management of Charcot neuroarthropathy constituted Level IV or V evidence.

CONCLUSION

Surgical algorithms for the treatment of CN of the foot are based almost entirely on level four or five evidence. Uncontrolled retrospective case series and case reports guide the use of exostectomy, fusion, and Achilles tendon lengthening for CN. There is inconclusive evidence concerning timing of treatment and use of different fixation methods. Prospective series and randomized studies, albeit difficult to perform, are necessary to support and strengthen current practice.

Treatment of Jones fracture nonunions and refractures in the elite athlete: outcomes of intramedullary screw fixation with bone grafting

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal metaphysis (ie, the Jones fracture) can be problematic in the elite athlete because of a high incidence of nonunion and refracture with nonoperative treatment. Although these fractures are not common, athletes can suffer refracture or nonunion of a Jones fracture despite operative stabilization. This is often attributable to hardware of insufficient strength, aggressive postoperative rehabilitation, or biologic insufficiency at the fracture site.

PURPOSE

The authors review the results of revision intramedullary screw fixation with cancellous autologous bone grafting or bone-marrow aspirate combined with demineralized bone matrix after refracture or nonunion of Jones fractures in elite athletes.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic outcomes and return to sport in 21 elite athletes undergoing treatment of Jones fracture refractures or nonunions. All patients underwent intramedullary screw fixation with autologous bone graft (12 patients), bone-marrow aspirate (BMA) + demineralized bone matrix (DBM) (8 patients), or no bone graft (1 patient).

RESULTS

All athletes were able to return to their previous level of athletic competition at an average of 12.3 weeks. All fractures showed clinical and radiographic evidence of compete cortical healing. Only 1 patient subsequently suffered a refracture.

CONCLUSION

The authors recommend revision fixation with a large, solid screw (5.5 mm or larger) and autologous bone grafting for symptomatic refractures and nonunions of the proximal fifth metatarsal in elite athletes. Additional investigation is needed to determine whether BMA combined with DBM is an effective substitute for cancellous autograft.

Utilization of advanced modalities in the management of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy

Technological advances have allowed reconstructive foot and ankle surgeons greater opportunity to provide significant limb salvage options to those patients who present with significant lower extremity deformity due to diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy. Paradigms that promote the utilization of these advanced modalities have demonstrated significant improved limb salvage outcomes in this challenging patient population and have consequently improved the quality of life for patients. The purpose of this review is to discuss current concepts in Charcot reconstruction.

Circular fixation for the nonplantigrade Charcot foot

Diabetes-associated neuropathic osteoarthropathy (Charcot foot) is increasingly being recognized as a destructive disease process that frequently leads to severe disability and is responsible for a severe negative impact on health-related quality of life. In addition, this diabetes-specific disease process creates a similar negative impact on the health care system by consuming health care resources for multiple surgical procedures, often leading to lower extremity amputation and premature death. There is growing interest among orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons to address surgical correction of the acquired deformities, with a goal of improving walking independence, which appears to reverse the impaired quality of life of affected individuals. Reconstructive surgery in this patient population is fraught with a substantial potential for unique complications, as many of the patients are morbidly obese, have large wounds overlying substantial bony deformity, have impaired immunity due to diabetes, and have underlying chronic osteomyelitis with poor bone quality. This review is focused on the applications of the principles of Ilizarov for providing surgical stabilization following correction of deformities. This application is best reserved for patients who are at the highest risk for complications or have failed with standard orthopedic methods of internal fixation.