Thursday, July 11, 2019
OrthoCincy Physician Vincent J. Sammarco, M.D., has pioneered a breakthrough in the surgical treatment of Charcot Foot Disease that could result in dramatic increases in limb salvage for patients with foot deformities after suffering from neuropathy (loss of feeling).
The Axis Charcot Fixation System offers improvements in treatment and outcomes for those suffering from loss of foot function due to neuropathy from conditions such as diabetes or fractures of the foot or ankle, says Dr. Sammarco, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with OrthoCincy and an expert in the treatment of Charcot Foot Disease.
Those afflicted with Charcot Foot may lose the ability to wear standard shoes as the disease affects the shape of their feet. Loss of normal bone structure can result in “rocker bottom foot,” where the arch of the foot collapses and sometimes even reverses.
Dr. Sammarco led research to develop the Axis device to help Charcot Foot patients retain their limbs. The Axis implant offers innovative technology to reshape the foot and hold it in place as the bones heal to create a more natural foot function. “The technology made available in the Axis system is truly unique and represents a big step forward in our ability to treat patients who need surgery for this condition,” Dr. Sammarco says.
Developed specifically to treat the unique problems associated with Charcot Disease, the patented Axis implant is stronger and more durable than anything previously available to patients with this debilitating condition. This means patients can expect better outcomes and fewer follow-up treatments or surgeries due to implant failure. OrthoCincy is the only orthopaedic practice in the Greater Cincinnati area to offer this new procedure and device.
“This is a breakthrough for preventing amputations and restoring patients to functionality,” says Dr. Sammarco, who lectures internationally on the condition. “We’ve had very high success rates with this treatment.”
Vincent J. Sammarco, M.D., is a board-certified foot and ankle and general orthopaedic surgeon. He sees patients in the Montgomery,Fairfield, and Ft. Wright offices.