Charcot foot--a technique for treatment of chronic plantar ulcer by saucerization and primary closure.

A series of four cases of refractory plantar ulcer in Charcot feet was successfully treated by a wide plantar exposure, excision of the ulcer, and primary closure over suction drainage. Thorough saucerization of the underlying convexity in the tarsals is thought to be necessary to achieve healing and prevent recurrence. Surgical intervention is considered worthwhile in those cases that show a marked rocker-bottom foot deformity on lateral radiography and have a persistent ulcer after conservative treatment in a plaster cast.