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Management of the diabetic Charcot foot
Author(s) -
Frykberg Robert G.,
Mendeszoon Ewald
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
diabetes/metabolism research and reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.307
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1520-7560
pISSN - 1520-7552
DOI - 10.1002/1520-7560(200009/10)16:1+<::aid-dmrr134>3.0.co;2-n
Subject(s) - medicine , spinal osteoarthropathy , foot deformity , etiology , arthropathy , natural history , diabetes mellitus , complication , foot (prosody) , diabetic foot , deformity , peripheral neuropathy , population , surgery , disease , intensive care medicine , osteoarthritis , pathology , linguistics , philosophy , alternative medicine , environmental health , endocrinology
The diabetic Charcot foot is a major limb‐threatening complication of long‐term diabetes mellitus and neuropathy. Although first described over 100 years ago, we are still lacking definitive studies regarding its prevalence in this population, precise etiology, or most effective treatments. Trauma in the presence of peripheral sensory neuropathy and abundant arterial perfusion seem to be the primary causal factors leading to this severe foot deformity. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of osteoarthropathy allows the destructive phase of this disorder to continue with resultant further destruction of the foot architecture. The authors discuss the natural history of this entity as well as potential treatment options and recommendations. Through a better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis, Charcot arthropathy can be more effectively managed and thereby limit the development of severe deformity, ulceration, infection and limb loss. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.