Radiodensity analysis of medial column superconstruct fixation sites in midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a highly destructive, pathologic process with devastating consequences to foot structure and viability. The use of intramedullary fixation ‘superconstructs’ allows for ‘re-bar’ support of compromised bone and allows for some dynamic fixation. This study examines radiodensity in Hounsfield units (HU) to compare bone quality of medial column fixation targets using computed tomography (CT) scans between patients with and without midfoot CN. A retrospective chart review identified control (non-diabetic, non-CN; n = 29) and midfoot CN (n = 21) groups. Patient demographics and medical history were collected. Two reviewers measured the mean HU of a circular region of interest centered on the first metatarsal head and the anterior, middle, and posterior thirds of the talar body. Radiodensity was compared between groups, and among talar locations, Eichenholtz stages and Brodsky types, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Age and body mass index were not significantly different between groups. The CN group maintained greater mean HU than the control group at the metatarsal head (p<0.001), and talar body locations (p<0.019). The difference in mean HU of these bones was not statistically significant between Stages 0–1 and Stages 2–3 or Brodsky Types 1 and 2. Mean HU differences among talus positions were not statistically significant. Indirect bone density analysis using HU showed an increased density in CN patients with no significant difference among talar body locations or midfoot Charcot stages and types. These results may assist in optimizing fixation length. Future studies may examine these densities in ankle CN.