Rearfoot and Ankle Reconstruction for Charcot Joint Disease: A Review

Charcot joint disease refers to the structural breakdown of the joints in the presence of neuropathy [1]. It has multiple pseudonyms but one of the most descriptive names of this condition is “Diabetic Neuroarthropathy.” The first cases studied by Jean-Marie Charcot however were not due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy but syphilis-related peripheral neuropathy [2]. As diabetes mellitus has become more prevalent, Charcot Joint Disease has become synonymous with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This however should not confound surgeons and clinicians; any condition that causes neuropathy in the lower extremity can cause neuroarthropathy [3]. For example, syringomyelia or lumbar impingement radiculopathy can cause Charcot Joint Disease. The pathophysiology is exactly the same, but the cause of neuropathy can be different.