CME OnDemand: 2022 AOFAS Annual Meeting-Charcot Neuroarthropathy is Associated with Higher Rates of Phantom Limb after Major Amputation

Charcot Neuroarthropathy is Associated with Higher Rates of Phantom Limb after Major Amputation

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to determine if patients with Charcot Neuroarthropathy who undergo a major lower extremity amputation have an increased risk of developing phantom limb compared to patients without Charcot. The researchers used ICD and CPT codes to identify patients who underwent a below-knee amputation (BKA) and were divided into two groups: Group A had a coded diagnosis of Charcot Neuroarthropathy, and Group B did not. The rate of phantom limb in Charcot patients was found to be 23.1%, while the rate in patients without Charcot was 19.5%. Patients with Charcot Neuroarthropathy who underwent BKA had a higher risk of developing phantom limb compared to those without Charcot (RR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.039-1.352). <br /><br />Phantom limb is a significant complication following major lower extremity amputation, and its pathophysiology and treatment remain complex. The results of this study suggest that patients with a coexisting diagnosis of Charcot Neuroarthropathy who undergo BKA may have an increased risk of developing phantom limb. The study's findings could help improve counseling for Charcot patients who require major amputation. <br /><br />Future directions for the study include exploring whether patients with Charcot Neuroarthropathy who undergo above-knee amputation also have higher rates of phantom limb, as well as conducting a retrospective review of patients from a single institution to further investigate this association. The ultimate goal is to provide patients with reliable information about potential complications following major amputation.

Asset Subtitle

Brandon J. Martinazzi, BS, Hannah Nam, F.Jeffrey Lorenz, Kirsten N. Mansfield, Kelly Dopke, Anna Ptasinski, Gregory Kirchner, Michael C. Aynardi, MD

Keywords

Charcot Neuroarthropathy

lower extremity amputation

phantom limb

ICD codes

CPT codes

below-knee amputation

diagnosis

risk

pathophysiology

treatment