The Charcot foot in diabetes

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2011 Sep-Oct;101(5):437-46. doi: 10.7547/1010437.

Abstract

The diabetic Charcot foot syndrome is a serious and potentially limb-threatening lower-extremity complication of diabetes. First described in 1883, this enigmatic condition continues to challenge even the most experienced practitioners. Now considered an inflammatory syndrome, the diabetic Charcot foot is characterized by varying degrees of bone and joint disorganization secondary to underlying neuropathy, trauma, and perturbations of bone metabolism. An international task force of experts was convened by the American Diabetes Association and the American Podiatric Medical Association in January 2011 to summarize available evidence on the pathophysiology, natural history, presentations, and treatment recommendations for this entity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Ankle Injuries / complications
  • Ankle Injuries / surgery
  • Ankle Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Arthropathy, Neurogenic / diagnosis
  • Arthropathy, Neurogenic / etiology*
  • Arthropathy, Neurogenic / physiopathology
  • Arthropathy, Neurogenic / therapy
  • Bone Density
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / complications
  • Cytokines / physiology
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / complications*
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / physiopathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Fractures, Bone / complications
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immobilization
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Orthotic Devices
  • RANK Ligand / metabolism
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • RANK Ligand