Revascularization therapy helps limb salvage in patients with ischemic Charcot foot

In addition to surgical and orthopedic treatment, revascularization therapy is necessary for patients with Charcot foot deformity affected by critical limb ischemia to avoid amputation, according to recent study results.

Researchers collected and analyzed data from 10 patients with diabetes who had Charcot neuroarthropthy and foot lesions in combination with critical limb ischemia, and who underwent endovascular revascularization followed by surgical and orthopedic treatment from January 2010 to January 2012. The primary endpoint was to assess the limb salvage rate, and the secondend point was to evaluate the healing time of the lesions.

Overall, study results showed a limb salvage rate of 90%, with only one patient experiencing transtibial amputation. After revascularization, surgical and orthopedic treatment, researchers found the required time to heal the lesion was a mean 197 days. Among patients who had complete revascularization, healing time was 184 days vs. 218 days among patients with incomplete revascularization.

For more information:

Palena LM. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2013;54:561-566.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.

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