Cincy SportsMedicine and Orthopaedic Center surgeons create new treatment for Charcot Foot Disease

Diabetics inflicted with Charcot Foot Disease can now breathe easier, thanks to two surgeons at the Cincinnati SportsMedicine & Orthopaedic Center (CSMOC).Drs. V. James Sammarco and G. James Sammarco, of the CSMOC, have discovered a new technique for treating this adverse complication, which can lead to foot amputation without proper treatmen.The good doctors have published this ground breaking research in the January edition of the American Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, which represents more than 20 years of researching and treating diabetic patients.”This technique represents a real milestone in the treatment of Charcot Foot Disease,” says Dr. V. James Sammarco.The new technique reshapes a foot deformed by Charcot, which is more resistant to ulceration and further complications, in turn.With 20.8 million diabetics in the US, Charcot Foot Disease is a very pressing concern, as the condition is prone to constricting the vessels in the leg and foot, leading to amputation in the most extreme cases.This means an unfortunate 75,000 lose a limb each year in the US, due to diabetes.  The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 85% could be avoided with proper treatment.Dr. V. Jamese Sammarco and Dr. G. James Sammarco agree, and have made it their mission to improve treatment of this largely avoidable loss.”We were not happy with that and developed this technique as a way to prevent amputation,” says Dr. V. James Sammarco.The study published this month features 22 cases of patients who successfully averted amputation by undergoing the procedure, who are doing well at least two years after the surgery.With good reason, the technique is getting attention internationally, and Dr. Sammarco continue to spread the good news. Writer:   Jonathan DeHartSource:  Game Day Communications, Jackie Reau