ANKLE REPLACEMENTS IN CHARCOT’S DISEASE

I have Charcot’s disease due to diabetes affecting my ankles. Am I eligible for the new ankle replacements?

Charcot’s disease, often resulting from chronic diabetes, involves the degeneration of ankle joints and is accompanied by a loss of sensation and joint destruction. Traditional treatments focus on weight reduction and joint protection, with surgical fusion considered if conservative methods fail. Ankle replacement is generally not recommended for patients with Charcot’s disease, especially those with poor bone quality or circulation.

Victor Valderrabano, MD, et al. “Sports and Recreation Activity of Ankle Arthritis Patients Before and After Total Ankle Replacement.” The American Journal of Sports Medicine, June 2006, Vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 993-999.