Charcot Foot Beaming
Charcot Foot Beaming Surgery in Hawaii
Charcot foot beaming is a surgical technique used to stabilize the foot in patients with Charcot arthropathy, a condition characterized by bone weakening, fractures, and collapse—most commonly in the setting of neuropathy.
Surgery is typically considered for patients with significant deformity, instability, recurrent ulceration, or failure of non-surgical management.
How Surgery Is Performed
Charcot beaming involves realigning and stabilizing the collapsed foot using long intramedullary beams or screws placed across affected joints. These beams act as internal support to maintain alignment while the bones fuse and heal.
The procedure may be combined with additional fixation, soft-tissue procedures, or joint fusion depending on deformity severity.
Goals of surgery include:
Restoring a stable, plantigrade foot
Preventing further collapse or deformity
Reducing ulcer risk and skin breakdown
Preserving limb function
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery following Charcot beaming is prolonged and highly protective.
Typical recovery progression includes:
Strict immobilization with prolonged non–weight bearing
Gradual transition to protected weight bearing once healing is established
Physical therapy focused on safe gait training and functional mobility
Long-term use of bracing or custom footwear to protect reconstruction
Recovery often spans many months, and close follow-up is required to monitor healing and prevent complications.
Risks and Considerations
Risks include infection, hardware failure, nonunion, recurrent deformity, and wound complications. Due to underlying neuropathy, careful postoperative protection and compliance are critical to success.
Office Location
30 Aulike St. Suite 201
Kailua, HI 96734
Contact Information
scheduling@windortho.net
(808) 261-4658
Surgical Facilities
Castle Medical Center
Windward Surgery Center
