On October 15, 2003, the bones in my right foot had to be fused and a frame attached to hold the bones in place while they healed. The frame consisted of a horseshoe-shaped base plate and two rings connected by two all thread bars, one on each side.

Four wires passed through my foot, left and right, holding the bones in place, then above my ankle were the two rings. Two wires from each of the rings passed through my leg. My foot and lower leg was suspended by right wires for nine weeks holding my foot and lower leg stationary in the middle of the frame.

My foot was pretty well exposed, it was easy to bump the foot or some one accidentally bump it when in public. It was a lighter frame, so balance was not an issue while on crutches and it was difficult to rest the foot on the floor when standing, it was much lighter.

The new frame was less invasive, only the four wires holding the bones in place in the foot were used. The charcot frame consisted of a horseshoe plate that the wires were attached to. There was a foot plate that could be taken off if wanted, it was attached by four screws. The upper portion of the frame was what appeared as the upper portion of the camboot attached to a metal frame. The frame was adjustable to accommodate the different long legs. This upper portion opened up with 3 buckles and was padded. Together with the cotton and ace bandage around my calf, the leg was very well padded. The upper portion cradled my leg making the frame extremely comfortable. There was a skin guard that went from the top of the boot part to my toes. With the metal frame work and baseplate, you cannot bump my foot unless you tried to.

If I had to choose the frame I like, I would pick the new charcot frame hands down. Less evasive, protected the foot and by better was easier to get around. I could rest my foot on the ground with no pain or problem.

Patient Joseph Cotero