Добавил:
kiopkiopkiop18@yandex.ru t.me/Prokururor I Вовсе не секретарь, но почту проверяю Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:

Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_896_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

.pdf
Скачиваний:
0
Добавлен:
31.08.2026
Размер:
33 Мб
Скачать
418
https://t.me/med1917
Fig. 23.17 The exor digitorum brevis muscle is commonly used for closure in large plantar ulcerations following ulcer excision and exos­tectomy of the offending bone
J. Ceja Solorio and J. M. Giurini
thickness skin graft is then used to cover the donor site in the medial arch (Fig.23.18).
Six weeks of total nonweightbearing is required for ade­quate healing and incorporation of the ap. This is followed by an additional 2–4weeks of protected weightbearing in a surgical shoe with a molded orthotic device. Long-term care requires the use of plastizote orthoses and modied shoe gear.
These types of aps in the foot have become relatively infrequent following the introduction of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), also referred to as vacuum assisted closure (VAC). Negative pressure wound therapy was rst introduced in the United States in 1997 [7375]. Since its introduction, it has been extensively used in large circumfer­ence wounds with signicant depth in order to promote gran­ulation, decrease the number of dressing changes, and avoid more extensive and morbid procedures. As a result, there has been a signicant reduction in the number of rotational aps or free tissue transfers needing to be performed [76].
Lisfranc’s Joint Arthrodesis
When the Charcot process results in signicant bone loss and instability at the rst TMT joint, an exostectomy may result in further instability and continued collapse of the medial column. In these circumstances stabilization of the joint in the form of primary fusion may be a better alternative.
The joint is best approached through a direct medial incision. This allows adequate exposure of the dorsum of the joint as well as the plantar surface. Any remaining articular cartilage is resected with a sagittal saw. Subchondral drilling with a 2.0mm
Fig. 23.18 Patient 5 years status post cuboid exostectomy with an interpositional muscle ap and a rotational fasciocutaneous ap
drill bit will stimulate bone bleeding and will facilitate fusion. Often times the bone cut on the rst metatarsal side can be slightly angulated from dorsal-proximal to plantar-distal allow­ing plantarexion of the rst metatarsal, restoring the weight­bearing function of the rst ray. In addition, any plantar bony prominence can also be resected from medial to lateral.
Fixation of the joint can be achieved in a variety of ways. The author’s preferred method is to use a medial plate and interfragmentary screw to provide rigid internal xation and compression (Figs.23.18 and 23.19a, b). This allows spanning the joint into more normal, healthier bone for more solid xa­tion. Crossed interfragmentary screws can be an acceptable form of xation if there is minimal fragmentation of the rst metatarsal and medial cuneiform. Other forms of xation can include crossed 0.062 Kirschner wires, bone staples, or intra­medullary screw (Fig.23.20). However in our experience they fail to provide adequate compression and stability and are sub­ject to failure, including breakage. Therefore, they are not rec­ommended. It is advisable to insert a Jackson-Pratt drain to prevent the accumulation of a hematoma.
The postoperative course includes immobilization and nonweightbearing. While there is no standard length of immobilization and nonweightbearing, the patient can expect to be nonweightbearing on average 3months. Partial weight­bearing begins when serial X-rays show early trabeculation across the rst TMT joint. Although recent studies suggest that postoperative CT scans provide a better measure of joint fusion and consolidation [77, 78], continued weightbearing
ab
23 Surgical Treatment oftheUlcerated Foot
https://t.me/med1917
419
Fig. 23.19 (a, b) A T-plate with an interfragmentary screw is author’s preferred form of xation of the rst metatarsal-medial cuneiform joint in the presence of unstable Charcot joint. Radiograph of patient with
T-plate and interfragmentary screw across the rst metatarsal- medial cuneiform joint
of severe midfoot instability, stabilization of multiple joints is often necessary. The surgical approach to these deformi­ties will be covered below under hindfoot procedures.
Calcanectomy
Heel ulcerations in patients with diabetes unfortunately are very common, are generally of moderate size, of long dura­tion, and are associated with poor outcomes [79]. Due to the many comorbid conditions most diabetic patients display, periods of prolonged bed rest are not unusual. Without proper protection, decubitus ulcerations can occur. However other causes for heel ulcers include blisters from shoe or cast irri-
Fig. 23.20 Fusion of the rst metatarsal-medial cuneiform joint for an unstable Charcot joint complicated by recurrent ulceration can be achieved by use of staples
is allowed as long as both clinical and radiographic evalua­tions suggest continued healing of the fusion site.
Charcot joint disease will often affect the entire Lisfranc’s
joint complex, i.e., all ve tarsometatarsal joints. In the case
tation and heel ssures resulting from dry skin or puncture wounds. Regardless of the precipitating cause, the end result is prolonged disability and morbidity. In cases of bone involvement (i.e., osteomyelitis), below knee amputation can be the nal outcome. Attempts to save this extremity and provide a limb capable of functional ambulation may involve excision of the ulceration and the calcaneus, either partial or subtotal.
420
https://t.me/med1917
J. Ceja Solorio and J. M. Giurini
The goals of a calcanectomy should include excision of all necrotic and infected soft tissue, resection of any and all infected bone, and primary closure of the wound whenever possible. Resection of large amounts of bone may be neces­sary in order to achieve primary closure. Hindrances to pri­mary closure include the lack of mobility of the surrounding soft tissue and severe tissue loss from infection. In these cases, a more creative approach including rotational skin aps, free tissue transfers, or NPWT may be needed.
The majority of times this procedure is performed for osteo­myelitis. It is therefore critical that adequate bone is removed to eliminate the infection. Various techniques have been described for resecting the calcaneus. This includes use of an osteotome or
a
saw. Contoured resection of the calcaneus has recently been described [80, 81]. The primary goals are to remove all infected bone and not to leave a plantar prominence which could serve as an irritant to the soft tissue and result in re-ulceration. In resect­ing the calcaneus, the Achilles tendon is often encountered. Depending on the extent of infection, it may need to be debrided or even released. While one may be tempted to reattach the ten­don, it is rarely advisable to do so. Advancement of the Achilles tendon would require the introduction of foreign materials such as screws or anchors which could serve as a nidus of recurrent infection. In those cases where the Achilles tendon is detached, it will often brose to the surrounding tissues and provide some degree of plantarexion. (Fig.23.21a–c). In cases where a sig-
b
c
Fig. 23.21 (a) Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus with undrained puru- lence. Control of infection via incision and drainage needed prior to denitive procedure. Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus is a common cause
for lower limb amputation. (b) Patient in 21a following incision and drainage and partial calcanectomy. (c) Final debridement of soft tissue and bone with delayed closure of wound
23 Surgical Treatment oftheUlcerated Foot
https://t.me/med1917
Fig. 23.22 In severe infections and bone loss of the calcaneus, free tissue transfer is often necessary for limb salvage. These tenuous aps are often protected from pressure with external xation
nicant amount of calcaneus must be resected and there is sig­nicant tissue loss from infection, free tissue transfer to cover this void may be the only option for limb salvage. These are typically tenuous aps that require 24hour monitoring for via­bility. It is often necessary to protect these aps with some form of external xation for ofoading (Fig.23.22). Even the slight­est degree of pressure can lead to pressure necrosis and loss of the ap.
Hindfoot Procedures
Surgical procedures of the hindfoot are most commonly per­formed for reconstruction of unstable Charcot joint disease and can be truly classied as limb salvage procedures. These include midfoot arthrodesis (TMT joints), triple arthrodesis (talonavicular, calcaneocuboid, subtalar joints), and pantalar arthrodesis (subtalar, ankle joints). While not considered reconstructive surgical procedures, we will also include ten­doachilles lengthening in this section as it is often a neces­sary adjunctive surgical procedure. Indications for these complex reconstructive procedures include chronic, non­healing ulcerations with underlying hindfoot deformity or instability, severe instability of the hindfoot making ambula­tion difcult at best or are deemed nonbraceable. While there is high risk associated with these procedures, standard con-
421
servative measures often prove inadequate to provide a stable plantigrade foot resistant to ulcerations. These procedures are often performed when the only alternative is a major limb amputation.
Midtarsal Joint Arthrodesis
As previously stated, the most common location for Charcot joint disease is the TMT joints, i.e., Lisfranc’s joints. These are the joints formed by the metatarsal bases and the cunei­forms and cuboid bone. These joints are supported by several small ligaments that connect these bones to each other. While the inciting event for the development of Charcot joint dis­ease remains unclear, in the majority of cases, disruption of these ligaments with or without fractures is a common fea­ture (Fig.23.23a, b). Because of absence of pain, the patient continues to ambulate on this unstable foot resulting in fur­ther destruction, displacement, and instability. The end result is a foot that is grossly misshapen, unstable to walk on and at risk for ulceration, infection, and amputation. While initial treatment should consist of nonweightbearing, immobiliza­tion, and bracing, many feet are so unstable that bracing actually poses a risk to the patient. It is in these cases that surgical intervention should be contemplated.
We previously described isolated medial column fusion for single joint involvement. However, in most cases, Charcot will affect multiple joints. It is not uncommon for the metatarsals to be dorsally displaced onto the cuneiforms or for the cuneiforms dorsally displaced on the talonavicu­lar joint. This situation requires a more aggressive approach. Intramedullary rodding (“beaming”) has become a com­mon method of stabilizing these deformities (Fig.23.24). Large screws are inserted through the medullary canals of the rst and 4th (sometimes 3rd) metatarsals. These screws cross the TMT joints into the respective tarsal bones. In those cases where the talonavicular joint is also involved, a single long screw can be used to cross both the rst metatarsal- medial cuneiform joint and the talonavicular joint as part of a triple arthrodesis. The screws are inserted following appropriate resection and realignment of the involved joints [82, 83].
This beaming technique has the advantage of providing adequate realignment and compression of the affected joints. This is a very stable construct. The other advantage is it avoids excessive dissection of the joints. With the use of can­nulated screws and using intraoperative X-rays, these screws can be accurately placed through small stab incisions, avoid­ing large wounds and excessive stripping of the periosteum.
Recently, there has been discussion of a “superconstruct” when performing this type of surgery in patients with Charcot joint disease [8486]. This implies that the involved joint(s) is so severely damaged that the use of xation devices at this
422
https://t.me/med1917
J. Ceja Solorio and J. M. Giurini
Fig. 23.23 (a) Disruption of tarsometatarsal ligaments resulting in lateral subluxation of Lisfranc’s joint following rst ray amputation. (b) Lateral view showing dorsal subluxation of Lisfranc’s joint in addition to lateral subluxation
ab
Fig. 23.24 The intramedullary rodding technique introduces large diameter screws through the metatarsals and across the hindfoot joints to achieve stability, primary fusion, and deformity
joint is not possible. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the zone of fusion proximally and distally in order to achieve fusion and stability across these joints. Fixation can take the form of intramedullary screws, i.e., beaming, or large medial plates that span the entire medial column, i.e., rst metatarsal base to talus.
Another concept to consider in surgery to stabilize the midfoot is fusion of the subtalar joint (STJ), even if the joint is not affected by Charcot joint. The STJ controls supination and pronation of the foot. Excessive pronation will lead to increase stress through the midfoot resulting in further col­lapse of the joint. This abnormal degree of pronation can lead to failure of any attempt to stabilize and fuse the medial column. By performing an STJ fusion these forces are reduced resulting in greater fusion rates and better long- term outcomes [87].
It is also important to address the Achilles tendon in these cases. Because of the midfoot collapse, the excessive prona­tion, and the chronicity of the deformity, the Achilles tendon becomes shortened and its mechanical axis across the STJ is changed from a supinatory to a pronatory force (Fig.23.25). Therefore, lengthening the Achilles tendon is tantamount to success. This can be done in the form of a percutaneous tri­section of the Achilles tendon (Hoke procedure) or a gastroc­nemius recession (Strayer procedure). These are described later in this chapter.
abc
23 Surgical Treatment oftheUlcerated Foot
https://t.me/med1917
423
Fig. 23.25 Changes in the axis of the subtalar joint (STJ) will change the mechanical effect of the Achilles tendon from a supinatory to a pro­natory. This is what occurs in Charcot joint disease when the midfoot collapses, thus placing even greater pressure on the midfoot. (Figure
originally appeared in Kirby KA.Subtalar joint axis location and rota­tional equilibrium theory of foot function. JAPMA 91:465,2001. Used with permission from the American Podiatric Medical Association)
Triple Arthrodesis
The incidence of Charcot joint disease involving the tarsal joints—talonavicular, calcaneocuboid or subtalar—ranges from 1.8% to 37% depending on the reports [8890]. Clinically, these feet appear with a rockerbottom deformity from plantar subluxation of either the talonavicular joint or the calcaneocuboid joint (Fig.23.26). This can then lead to chronic ulceration. When faced with a signicant degree of instability from this destructive process, the approach should include surgical stabilization of the involved joint or joints. This often requires fusion of the talonavicular joint, calcaneo­cuboid joint, and the subtalar joint, i.e., triple arthrodesis.
The goal of a triple arthrodesis is to stabilize the foot and to reduce the deformity, thereby reducing the risk of recur­rent ulceration. It is recommended that surgery be delayed until the acute phase has resolved and the Charcot joint has entered the coalescent phase. If an open ulceration is present, surgery should be delayed until all signs of acute infection are resolved. However, it is not necessary to wait until the ulceration is healed.
The triple arthrodesis is performed in a standard fashion. The STJ and the calcaneocuboid joint are approached through a lateral incision just inferior to the lateral malleo­lus and extending distally to the base of the fourth and fth metatarsals. While it is possible to obtain adequate exposure
Fig. 23.26 Dislocation of the talonavicular joint from Charcot joint disease resulting in rockerbottom deformity and severe plantarmedial ulceration
of the talonavicular joint through this incision, a separate medial incision is often necessary to afford better exposure.
The cartilage is resected off all joint surfaces until bleed-
ing bone is exposed. This can be accomplished using a vari-
424
https://t.me/med1917
ety of techniques such as bone curette, osteotome, or drill. It is also recommended to perform subchondral drilling of the joints with a 2.0mm drill bit. The joints are then reapproxi­mated. If signicant deformity exists, wedge resections through the joints may be required to adequately reduce the deformity. Additionally, signicant bone resorption may have occurred as a result of the destructive process. In these cases bone graft may be necessary to ll the gaps between joint surfaces. This can be obtained from the iliac crest or from the bone bank. At this stage it is best to temporarily x­ate the joints with Steinmann pins and assess deformity cor­rection with intraoperative uoroscopic images.
The method of xation is the surgeon’s choice. The STJ is often xated with two screws crossing the posterior facet into the body of the talus. These screws can be introduced through a stab incision on the plantar surface of the heel. These screws are easily inserted over a guide wire from plan­tar to dorsal, across the STJ into the body of the talus. Alternatively, one screw can be introduced from a dorsal approach through the neck of the talus and one screw through a stab incision on the plantar surface of the heel (Fig.23.27). It is important that an intraoperative calcaneal axial X-ray is obtained to assure that the guide wire is centered in the cal­caneus and avoids the medial or lateral wall of the calcaneus (Fig.23.28). This will avoid potentially fracturing the calca­neus. These views are best facilitated with the use of a large C-arm as opposed to the smaller, mini-C arm units. The talo­navicular joint can be xated with crossed 5.0mm screws: one from the navicular tuberosity into the head of the talus and the second screw from the lateral navicular into the head of the talus. While screws are preferred for the talonavicular and subtalar joints, staples or small plates can be used in the
Fig. 23.27 Fixation of the subtalar joint can be achieved by a screw directed from the posterior plantar aspect of the calcaneus directed anterior and superior across the joint and into the body of the talus
J. Ceja Solorio and J. M. Giurini
Fig. 23.28 An intraoperative calcaneal axial view is critical to assure the subtalar screw is not too close to the medial or lateral wall of the calcaneus
calcaneocuboid joint. Minimal to no gapping should be pres­ent. This should always be conrmed with an intraoperative X-ray to conrm the nal position of all xation devices, adequate joint apposition, and appropriate foot position. The position of the calcaneus should be neutral to slight valgus. The goal of surgery is correction of the deformity with good apposition of all joint surfaces and the creation of a planti­grade foot.
Postoperatively, the patient is placed in a posterior splint to immobilize the fusion site. The splint is replaced with a below the knee berglass cast following the rst dressing change, usually 7–10 days following surgery. Total non­weightbearing is maintained for a minimum of 3–4months. Patients with neuropathy often need to be protected and non­weightbearing for a longer period than non-neuropathic patients due to the lack of protective pain sensation. Serial X-rays are obtained to evaluate bone healing and mainte­nance of postoperative correction and alignment. The patient is then advanced to gradual protected weightbearing when X-rays show signs of bone union. Because the degree of fusion is difcult to assess clinically, it is current best prac­tice to obtain a CT scan to assess degree of fusion before ambulation is allowed. Isolated case reports suggest that the likelihood and rate of fusion may be improved with the use of electrical bone stimulation although prospective, random­ized double-blinded trials are not available to determine overall efcacy [91].
23 Surgical Treatment oftheUlcerated Foot
https://t.me/med1917
Pantalar Arthrodesis
The ankle joint that has undergone severe destruction from Charcot joint disease is particularly problematic. This typi­cally results in a ail ankle joint that makes ambulation extremely difcult if not impossible. This deformity may result from total collapse of the talar body, fractures of the calcaneus, fractures through the medial malleolus, lateral malleolus or both. Patients with these types of fractures will often be found ambulating directly on either the medial or lateral malleolus. This inherent instability will result in the development of chronic ulcerations and is extremely difcult to control with conservative care alone. The prognosis for these deformities is poor. In order for limb salvage to be achieved, primary fusion of the ankle and subtalar joints is necessary.
The surgical approach depends on the level and degree of destruction. If the primary level of instability and destruction involves the tibiotalar joint, isolated fusion of this joint may be sufcient. However most often, destruction of the other rearfoot joints is present. Therefore fusion of the ankle, talo­navicular, subtalar, and calcaneocuboid joints (i.e., pantalar fusion) is necessary to provide a stable platform for ambula­tion. Once again, it is best to delay all surgical intervention until all signs of acute Charcot joint disease have resolved. Attempted fusion during the active, hyperemic phase of this disorder will not only make fusion technically difcult but may also result in failure to fuse.
A lateral incision which begins approximately at the mid­bula and extends to the tip of the lateral malleolus offers adequate exposure of the ankle joint. If a pantalar fusion is to be performed, this incision can be extended distally to the calcaneocuboid joint. The bula is typically osteotomized just proximal to the ankle joint line. The anterior aspect of the bula is dissected free and reected posteriorly. This pre­serves the vascular supply to the bula. This will also allow the bula to be used as a vascularized strut graft on the lateral side of the ankle joint. The ankle joint is now well visualized.
The articular cartilage is resected down to bleeding can­cellous bone from the inferior surface of the tibia and the dome of the talus. The ankle joint is repeatedly manipulated so as to assess alignment of the foot. The joint surfaces are continually remodeled until optimal bone apposition and foot alignment is achieved. In cases where the talar body is deemed nonsalvageable, the tibia may be fused to the calca­neus or a bone graft can be inserted to ll the defect and accommodate for signicant bone loss. Femoral head allograft may be used to ll this defect. However recent stud­ies/reports have shown mixed long-term results using this technique [9294]. If a pantalar fusion is being performed, the remaining hindfoot joints can be addressed at this time in the same manner as in a triple arthrodesis.
425
Fig. 23.29 Severe instability of the rearfoot due to Charcot joint often requires major reconstructive surgery of the hindfoot and ankle. A pan­talar fusion was performed in this patient for severe cavoadductovarus deformity and chronic ulceration resulting from Charcot joint. Two
7.0 mm cannulated screws were used to fuse the subtalar and ankle joints
After all articular surfaces have been resected, the foot should be positioned so that all bone surfaces are in good apposition with minimal to no gapping and the foot is in a plantigrade position with the ankle joint at 90 degrees. This can be assessed by temporarily xating the joint and obtain­ing intraoperative uoroscopic images. Care should also be taken to avoid any interposition of soft tissue. If the foot can­not be aligned properly or bone surfaces do not appose ade­quately, further remodeling of the bone should be performed. Once optimal alignment has been achieved, the ankle joint is ready for xation. Internal xation of the ankle joint can be performed in a variety of ways. This can be performed with the introduction of two 7.0mm cannulated screws. From a plantar to dorsal direction through the body of the calcaneus and across the resected ankle joint. This will also xate the posterior subtalar joint (Fig.23.29). Ideally, the tips of the screw should purchase the cortex of the tibia. Other tech­niques may include crossed screws from the distal tibia into the talus and/or calcaneus, a blade plate on the lateral side of the calcaneus and across the anterolateral aspect of the tibia. More commonly, an intramedullary nail can be introduced across the ankle and subtalar joints from a plantar approach (Fig.23.30) [93, 94]. When bone quality precludes the use of internal xation, external devices for xation are appropriate alternatives [95, 96]. The use of intraoperative imaging is critical in the placement of guide wires and for nal xation. It is critical that the calcaneus be positioned either in neutral or in slight valgus position. Any degree of varus should be avoided. After xation of the ankle joint, the remaining rear­foot joints can be xated as previously described.
As with triple arthrodesis, the postoperative care is criti­cal to successful limb salvage. Wound infection, dehiscence, and non-union are the major complications seen with this
426
https://t.me/med1917
J. Ceja Solorio and J. M. Giurini
Fig. 23.31 Severe Charcot deformity with an open ulceration and osteomyelitis will require the use of external xation to correct the deformity and to avoid the use of internal xation at the site of ulcer­ation and osteomyelitis
Fig. 23.30 : X-ray showing Charcot ankle reconstruction using an intramedullary nail and femoral head allograft
procedure. Immobilization of the extremity immediately postoperatively can decrease the risks of these complications. Total nonweightbearing in a below the knee berglass cast is required for a minimum of 4months and should be changed frequently to prevent abrasions or cast irritations. Consolidation or fusion of the joints should be assessed with a CT scan [77]. Once it is felt fusion is sufcient to support weightbearing, this should be instituted in a gradual pro­tected manner. A return to protected weightbearing will be dictated by serial X-rays. The use of adjunctive modalities to promote fusion, such as electrical bone stimulation, may be considered in this patient population as these patients and procedures are considered at high risk for non-union.
Arthrodesis withExternal Fixation
The complex nature of these deformities, open ulcerations with or without osteomyelitis, and signicant bone loss often require the use of advanced techniques in external xation. Signicant bone loss in these hindfoot deformities often does not allow for dependable use of internal xation devices. In addition, the presence of an open ulceration and osteomy­elitis makes the use of internal xation contraindicated. Therefore the use of various external xation constructs has been used to achieve stabilization in these deformities [97
100]. The most common construct utilizes a combination of
multiplane ne wire ring xators and half pins attached to the leg and foot at different levels. If possible, this can be used in conjunction with internal xation (Fig.23.31).
Another use of external xation for the correction of Charcot joint disease is for gradual correction prior to deni­tive arthrodesis [101, 102]. In this technique, an external ring xator with telescoping struts is placed. The struts are adjusted daily by the patient in order to gradually reduce the deformity and to stretch the soft tissues that are holding the deformity in place. This typically takes 1month. When the deformity has been restored to length, a formal arthrodesis of the involved joints can be performed in the manner described above. This can often avoid signicant removal of bone and shortening of the foot (Fig.23.32a–e).
Tendoachilles Lengthening
The effect of a tight Achilles tendon on foot mechanics, foot ulcerations, and Charcot joint disease has been well docu­mented [103105]. A tight Achilles tendon from enzymatic glycosylation leads to increased plantar foot pressures result­ing in foot ulcerations. A tight Achilles tendon is also present in Charcot joint disease. The majority of clinicians caring for diabetic foot ulcerations agree that a tight Achilles tendon contributes to the recurrent nature of diabetic foot ulcerations and should be addressed via tendon lengthening.
The Achilles tendon is formed by the end bers of the gas­trocnemius and soleus muscles and insert into the dorsal pos­terior aspect of the calcaneus. By virtue of its insertion, the Achilles tendon functions as a strong plantarexor at the ankle joint and invertor of the STJ. Its plantarexion motion is opposed by the extensor muscles crossing the anterior aspect of the ankle joint and its inversion motion is opposed by the peroneal muscles laterally. When the calcaneus everts and the axis of the subtalar joint changes as occurs in patients who
23 Surgical Treatment oftheUlcerated Foot
https://t.me/med1917
ac d
b
e
427
Fig. 23.32 (a-e) Series of acute Charcot correction showing distrac- tion technique. (a) Acute Charcot showing dorsal dislocation of cunei­form on navicular; (b) application of external xation for gradual distraction and correction; (c) 1month post-distraction showing grad-
excessively pronate or whose midfoot has collapsed from Charcot, the axis of pull of the Achilles tendon changes [106]. It now creates a strong pronatory force of the foot. This can lead to excessive medial transfer of weight and midfoot col­lapse as seen in Charcot joint disease. It is for this reason that the Achilles tendon must be evaluated in every case of Charcot joint disease and reconstructive surgery. Failure to recognize this fact can lead to recurrence of the ulceration and failure of the reconstruction.
There are several techniques to lengthen the Achilles ten­don [107110]. These can be classied as either open or per­cutaneous. The simplest technique is the percutaneous approach (Hoke) (Fig.23.33). This technique utilizes three small stab incisions and minimal soft tissue dissection. However, this requires an understanding of the anatomy of the Achilles tendon and the ability to convert to the open technique when necessary. The procedure can be approached with the patient lying either supine or prone. Three small stab incisions are made centrally on the Achilles tendon. The incisions are spaced approximately 1– 1.5cm apart with the distal most incision being 1.5cm from the insertion of the Achilles on the calcaneus. The most proximal and most dis­tal incisions will incise the Achilles centrally and exit medi­ally while the middle incision will incise the Achilles centrally and exit laterally. Once the three incisions are com­pleted, a gentle dorsiexing force is exerted on the foot until a gentle stretch can be felt on the Achilles. Care should be
ual realignment of cuneiform-navicular joint; (d, e) removal of external xation with insertion of intramedullary xation to maintain correction
taken not to stretch the Achilles beyond 10° of dorsiexion. The skin incisions are then closed with suture of the sur­geons’ choice.
While the percutaneous technique provides adequate cor­rection and is the least morbid technique, there are situa­tions where greater degrees of correction are needed. This is where the open technique may be needed (Fig.23.34). This is best performed with the patient in the prone position. An approximately 8–10cm incision is made along the central portion of the Achilles tendon. The incision is deepened until the peritenon is visualized. The peritenon is incised longitudinally along the line of the skin incision exposing the Achilles tendon. While there have been several ways described to lengthen the tendon, our preferred method is to make one incision approximately 1.0 cm proximal to the insertion. The blade is inserted into the midsubstance of the Achilles all the way across and the anterior bers are tran­sected. Attention is then directed approximately 2.5–3.0cm proximally where the blade is once again inserted into the midsubstance of the Achilles tendon. The posterior bers of the tendon are now transected. Once completed, the foot is once again gently dorsiexed until the tendon can be seen to lengthen along the central intact bers. In this fashion, the surgeon can visualize the amount of lengthening achieved and “dial-in” more dorsiexion if necessary and if feasible. Closure of the wound, including the peritenon, is performed in a layered fashion. The Achilles tendon lengthening is pro-