Diabetic foot and ankle reconstruction is a difficult area of surgery in which to achieve ideal outcomes. The goal for a majority of cases in this surgical field is to achieve a plantigrade foot that can function throughout the gait cycle in shoes with or without a brace. There are multiple biomechanical, biochemical, neurological, vascular, infectious, and social factors that can influence the likelihood of achieving those goals. The effect of the Achilles’ tendon on the gait cycle, through its effects on joint function, is the greatest determinant of non-rigid deformity in diabetic feet. In order to improve the chance of a desired outcome, the Achilles tendon should be assessed for any possible pathologies. For many patients, the addition of the simple technique of a percutaneous Achilles’ tendon release to a surgical case is powerful enough to address multiple biomechanical issues and prevent below-knee amputations.

Achilles Tendon, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Foot Surgery, Ankle Surgery, diabetic foot, diabetic feet, knee amputations, amputations, amputation,