How To Treat Ankle Fractures In Patients With Diabetes

Volume 19 - Issue 4 - April 2006
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$In particular, when one is managing diabetic ankle fractures, the treating physician should have a high index of suspicion for the development of Charcot.$

$For unstable ankle fractures and significant deformity in patients with diabetes, one should consider surgical management. Surgical options may include ORIF or closed reduction with percutaneous and/or external fixation.$

$When performing surgical treatment of ankle fractures in patients with diabetes, the authors emphasize using an adequate fixation construct for these patients due to the incidence of osteopenia and neuropathy.$

Author(s):

By Alan R. Catanzariti, DPM, Robert W. Mendicino, DPM, and Travis L. Sautter, DPM

Dr. Mendicino is Chief of the Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. He is a Fellow and Past President of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Western Campus of the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Sautter is a Chief Resident of Foot and Ankle Surgery at Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh.

References:

References
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