The diagnosis of charcot foot

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Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2008 Jan;25(1):43-51.

The diagnosis of charcot foot.

LC, Bevilacqua NJ.

Foot and Ankle Surgery, Amputation Prevention Center, Broadlawns

Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA.

Charcot foot is a rapidly progressive disease process occurring in

those with peripheral neuropathy. The disease is frequently

misdiagnosed resulting in a delay of appropriate treatment,

worsening the outcome. We present the hallmarks for diagnosis of

Charcot foot based on the clinical examination and imaging studies.

We provide a simple algorithm based on evidence and experience for

the investigation of the foot when Charcot arthropathy is suspected.

Additionally, we propose a new classification that accounts for the

degree of complications in the Charcot joint. This new system

considers deformity, ulceration, and osteomyelitis, which may help

to predict amputation.