Long-term results of corrective surgical interventions in patients with diabetic midfoot neuroosteoarthropathy

BACKGROUND : Diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy is a disabling complication of diabetes mellitus that develops as a result of impaired peripheral innervation and characterized by damage to bones and joints of non-infectious origin. As a result of pathological bone fractures, gross deformities of the foot are formed, which entails development of chronic ulcerative defects in areas of excessive load pressure. Currently, a number of surgical interventions are used to correct deformities, such as resection of bone structures, correction with metal structures and external fixation devices, but there is practically no data on their long-term results in the domestic literature. AIM : To study the results of orthopedic corrective interventions in patients with diabetes mellitus and midfoot neuroosteoarthropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS : An analysis was made the data collected by questionnaire method of 55 patients operated in the diabetic foot department in the Endocrinology research centre from 2009-2019. All patients underwent a reconstructive operation aimed correcting a gross deformity of the midfoot. In postoperative period, the affected limb was off-loaded by total contact cast for a period of 3-6 months, and in the future, complex orthopedic shoes for permanent use and regular podiatric care were recommended to patients. RESULTS : After the first surgical intervention, 16 patients developed a recurrence of deformity, which required a second surgical intervention. The median period between interventions was 3 years. Chronic wounds of various localization of the operated foot were found in 25 patients. The median period between surgery and ulcer formation was 5 years. 9 patients with chronic wounds underwent minor amputations at the same foot. Amputations on the contralateral limb were performed in 7 patients. None of the patients underwent major amputations. CONCLUSION : Charcot foot is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus that can lead to loss of a lower limb. Due to results of the research orthopedic corrections of the midfoot deformities in patients with DNOAP can reduce the risk of ulcer developement and possible major amputations. Active monitoring and adequate orthopedic care in the postoperative period significantly reduce the risk of deformity recurrence and the need for repeated surgical interventions.