TREATMENT OF DIABETIC OSTEOARTHROPATHY WITH THE ILIZAROV METHOD

We present the clinical observation of 55-year-old female patient with diabetic osteoarthropathy (Wagner 3; Brodsky 2; 3a) complicated with chronic osteomyelitis treated in the purulent osteology clinic. Long-term conservative treatment in the hospital at place of residence was not successful, so the patient was found requiring limb amputation. On admission to the purulent osteology clinic, the patient complained of vast purulent wound of the right foot, numbness of the fingers of both feet and disturbed support ability of the limb. The patient underwent complex restorative treatment with the Ilizarov method. Primary treatment outcomes were obvious healing of the osteomyelitis and restoration of the limb function persisting already for three years after treatment. The clinical case presented illustrates the possibility of the Ilizarov method in complex regenerative treatment of patients with diabetic osteoarthropathy, which allows to suppress the necrotic process, eliminate the existing deformation to fill the bone defect and thus restore function of the limb.