Diabetes
Charcot neuroarthropathy is a condition that effects approximately 1 in 680 diabetic patients. It can also affect any individual with peripheral sensory neuropathy. It is also one of the most misdiagnosed entities affecting the diabetic foot. Failure to recognize the early signs and symptoms of this disease often leads to increased morbidity, chronic ulcerations, severe foot deformities, and amputations. Early recognition of these signs and prompt treatment can often arrest the process before any of these consequences.
After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:
- discuss the etiology of Charcot neuroarthropathy.
- discuss risk factors leading to Charcot neuroarthropathy.
- explain the early signs and symptoms of Charcot neuroarthropathy.
- discuss the early radiographic findings of Charcot neuroarthropathy.
- describe the initial treatment of Charcot neuroarthropathy.
- discuss the indications for surgery in patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy.