USAGE OF FEMORAL HEAD ALLOGRAFT FOR AUGMENTATION OF HINDFOOT FUSION IN CHARCOT FOOT ARTHROPATHY: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Charcot arthropathy is a complex disease secondary to neuropathic foot caused by a multitude of diseases. However, the prevalent underlying disease is diabetes mellitus. The cascade of continuous bone destruction and remodeling leads to further bone deformities which if left untreated, may develop into infection and ultimately leading to amputation of the limb. As the majority of cases present at a much later stage, there is often significant bone loss further complicating treatment options. Despite the severe deformity, literature has shown good functional results with appropriate surgical treatment as in our case of Charcot arthropathy treated with ankle arthrodesis augmented with a femoral head bone graft which resulted in well healed wound with no signs of infection and good callus formation. Use of an allograft bone block in cases with extensive bone lost remains a significant option and facilitates patients who undergo surgery to fare better despite nonunion.