Charcot Neuroarthropathy of the Foot and Ankle

Abstract

1. Charcot arthropathy is defined as redness, swelling, and hyperthermia of an affected foot and/or lower limb. In 1868, Jean-Martin Charcot first described the typical symptoms in patients suffering from syphilis (“tabes dorsalis”). 2. Conventional radiographs of the foot/ankle typically show aseptic bony destruction that can occasionally affect both feet. 3. While numerous diseases are known to cause Charcot destruction and deformity, in some cases exact etiology remains unclear. Nowadays, diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, and neuropathologies (e.g., cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, myelomeningocele, syringomyelia) are the most frequent etiologies for Charcot arthropathy development. 4. Polyneuropathy is one of the most important pathomechanism factors leading to joint subluxations and luxations and bone fractures of the foot. 5. Conservative and surgical treatments should be planned individually according to the current patient symptoms and underlying Charcot arthropathy stage. 6. Lower-leg amputations are the worst-case scenario, which are typically indicated due to infection, vascular comorbidities, or postsurgical complications.