Abstract
Format
Retrospective Review.
Length of follow-up
18 months.
Classification
Rearfoot and Ankle Reconstruction.
Methodology
Level 4 Retrospective Review.
Procedures
A retrospective review was performed of 6 patients who had undergone limb salvage procedures between January 2016 and April 2019. Patients underwent surgery due to severe limb-threatening diagnosis including Charcot and/or osteomyelitis. Salvage arthrodesis was performed with bulk femoral head allograft incorporation using a hexapod external fixation system. The external fixation was retained for an average of 16 weeks. All patients were followed for a postoperative period of 16 months.
Results
Successful rearfoot arthrodesis and limb salvage was achieved in ⅚ (83%) of patients.
Discussion
This review demonstrates that limb salvage and arthrodesis are possible using femoral head allograft incorporation by external fixation alone. The involved patients had resolution of the osteomyelitis and Charcot deformity, salvage arthrodesis of the rearfoot and avoidance of a major limb amputation.
Levels of Evidence:
IV.
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