Patient reported outcomes following surgical reconstruction of acquired Charcot foot deformity.

BACKGROUND: Charcot foot reconstruction can improve quality of life, however, patient-reported outcomes remain underreported.

METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy who underwent reconstruction between 2022 and 2023. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) collected were Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference, Physical Function, Global Health, and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index. Patients who completed surveys at all timepoints (preoperatively and 6- and 12-months postoperatively) were included. Generalized estimating equations estimated mean changes in PROM scores; multivariable models assessed the impact of clinical variables.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients met inclusion criteria with median age of 59 years and median body mass index (BMI) of 36. Patients demonstrated a significant decrease in Pain Interference at 6 months, but this improvement was not sustained at 12 months. No significant differences were observed in other PROMs.

CONCLUSION: Charcot reconstruction results in meaningful early improvements in patient-reported pain and functional outcomes, however, the durability of these benefits appears limited.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective cohort study.