Diabetic & Charcot Foot Reconstruction
Specialized foot and ankle procedure performed by Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr Shyam Thakkar at ARTICUL8 Clinic in Erandwane, Pune. Advanced limb salvage for complex diabetic foot ulcers, Charcot neuroarthropathy, infection control, and amputation prevention.
Clinical & Surgical Imaging: Diabetic Charcot Foot Limb Salvage & Ulcer Debridement
Clinical Overview & Rationale
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and sudden collapse of foot bones known as Charcot neuroarthropathy. Dr Shyam Thakkar leads specialized limb salvage surgery using internal/external fixation techniques to reshape rocker-bottom deformities and heal stubborn non-healing ulcers.
Diabetic neuropathy reduces protective sensation in the feet, making patients vulnerable to painless bone fractures and joint collapses known as Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Dr Shyam Thakkar leads advanced diabetic limb salvage in Pune & Maharashtra. Through specialized ex-fix frames, rigid internal beam fixation, and ulcer debridement, collapsed 'rocker-bottom' feet are reshaped into stable walking platforms to prevent major amputations.
Key Surgical Highlights & Techniques
Advanced Surgical Approaches
Midfoot Beaming & Ex-Fix Stabilization
Strong intramedullary screws and external frames to hold collapsed midfoot arches.
Exostectomy & Ulcer Debridement
Removing bone prominences pressing against skin to permanently heal neuropathic ulcers.
Achilles Tendon Lengthening (Percutaneous)
Relieving forefoot pressure to prevent recurrent plantar skin breakdown.
Patient Benefits
- Prevents high-level amputations
- Creates stable plantigrade walking foot
- Heals recurrent neuropathic ulcers
Who is a Candidate?
- Diabetic patients with warm, swollen, red foot without open wound
- Collapsed sole shape (rocker-bottom deformity)
- Non-healing neuropathic diabetic plantar ulcers
- Prior advice regarding major amputation seeking limb salvage second opinion
Post-Operative Recovery Timeline
Estimated Total: 12–16 weeks protective off-loadingRigid Immobilization
Total Contact Cast (TCC) or external frame offloading.
Custom CROW Booting
Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW) protected weight-bearing.
Custom Footwear
Custom therapeutic diabetic shoes with molded total-contact insoles.
Frequently Asked Questions — Diabetic & Charcot Foot Reconstruction
1. What is diabetic foot?
Diabetic foot problems occur because of reduced sensation, poor blood supply and delayed healing, which increase the risk of ulcers, infection and deformity.
2. What is Charcot foot?
Charcot foot (charcot neuroarthropathy treatment) is a severe neuropathy-related condition where the bones and joints weaken and collapse, causing swelling, warmth, deformity and instability.
3. Why is early treatment important in diabetic and Charcot foot?
Early treatment by a diabetic foot specialist pune can prevent ulcers, deep infection, major deformity and amputation. It also improves the chances of preserving a functional limb.
4. When is reconstruction needed for diabetic or Charcot foot?
Reconstruction may be recommended when deformity, instability or recurrent ulcers cannot be controlled with footwear, offloading, wound care or other non-surgical treatments.
5. What does diabetic or Charcot foot reconstruction involve?
Treatment by a diabetic foot surgeon pune may include deformity correction, bone realignment, joint fusion, stabilization with plates or rods, ulcer debridement and limb salvage surgery pune.
6. Can diabetic foot lead to amputation?
Yes, if infection, deformity or poor blood flow cannot be controlled, amputation may become necessary. The goal of diabetic and charcot foot reconstruction is to avoid this whenever possible.
Dr Shyam Thakkar
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialist & Surgeon
International Foot and Ankle Fellow (USA), specializing in keyhole arthroscopy, total ankle replacement, and limb salvage.
ARTICUL8 OPD Clinic Pune
Address: Lane 34/4B, Gulawani Maharaj Road, Opp. IDBI Bank, Erandwane, Pune 411004
Timings: Monday to Friday: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Call Helpline: +91 93240 43623