Painful Nonunion in Patients With Clinically Plantigrade Diabetes-Associated Charcot Foot Arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: It has been assumed that diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy should not have pain associated with Charcot foot arthropathy. METHODS: During a 19-year period, 14 diabetic patients (15 feet) presented for treatment with pain following resolution of the acute phases of midfoot Charcot foot arthropathy. All were clinically plantigrade with plain radiographic evidence of bony union without deformity. Pain did not resolve with the use of appropriate therapeutic footwear. When used, CT scans uniformly demonstrated nonunion. RESULTS: All 14 patients had resolution of their presenting pain following successful arthrodesis. Nonunion was confirmed at surgery in all of the patients. One patient developed a fatal pulmonary embolus following removal of the external fixator. Two required late exostectomy for bony overgrowth at the surgical site of fusion for nonunion. CONCLUSION: This small series of patients would suggest that nonunion of the Charcot neuroarthropathy process was responsible for complaints of pain not able to be managed with therapeutic footwear. Successful arthrodesis resolved the pain. CT imaging may help identify a treatable source of pain in this population.

[Progress in clinical diagnosis and treatment of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy of foot and ankle].

Objective: To summarize the progress of clinical diagnosis and treatment of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNO) of foot and ankle to provide reference for clinical treatment. Methods: The research literature on diabetic CNO of foot and ankle at home and abroad was widely reviewed, and the stages and classification criteria of CNO were summarized, and the treatment methods at different stages of the disease course were summarized. Results: CNO is a rapidly destructive disease of bone and joint caused by peripheral neuropathy, which leads to the formation of local deformities and stress ulcers due to bone and joint destruction and protective sensory loss, which eventually leads to disability and even life-threatening. At present, the modified Eichenholtz stage is a commonly used staging criteria for CNO of foot and ankle, which is divided into 4 stages by clinical and imaging manifestations. The classification mainly adopts the modified Brodsky classification, which is divided into 6 types according to the anatomical structure. The treatment of diabetic CNO of foot and ankle needs to be considered in combination with disease stage, blood glucose, comorbidities, local soft tissue conditions, degree of bone and joint destruction, and whether ulcers and infections are present. Conservative treatment is mainly used in the active phase and surgery in the stable phase. Conclusion: The formulation of individualized and stepped treatment regimens can help improve the effectiveness of diabetic CNO of foot and ankle. However, there is still a lack of definitive clinical evidence to guide the treatment of active and stable phases, and further research is needed.

Charcot arthropathy outcomes after early referral to a regional tertiary care foot clinic.

BACKGROUND: Community physicians may not encounter Charcot arthropathy frequently, and its symptoms and signs may be nonspecific. Patients often have a delay of several months before receiving a formal diagnosis and referral for specialty care. However, limited Canadian data are available. We evaluated the clinical history, treatment and outcomes of patients treated for Charcot arthropathy after prompt referral and diagnosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 76 patients with diabetes (78 feet) who received nonoperative treatment for Charcot arthropathy in a specialty foot clinic between Jan. 20, 2009, and Mar. 26, 2018. Patients were referred to the foot clinic by community physicians for evaluation or were pre-existing patients at the foot clinic with new-onset Charcot arthropathy. RESULTS: Of the 78 feet included in our analyses, 52 feet (67%) were evaluated initially by a community physician and referred to the foot clinic, where they were seen within 3 ± 5 weeks. The remaining 26 feet (33%) were already being treated at the foot clinic. Most feet had swelling, erythema, warmth, a palpable pulse and loss of protective sensation. Ulcers were present initially in 23 feet (29%). Sixty-four feet (82%) with Charcot arthropathy were in Eichenholtz classification stage 1 and most had midfoot involvement. Nonoperative treatment included total contact casting (60 feet, 77%). Mean duration of nonoperative treatment until resolution for 55 feet (71%) was 6 ± 5 months. Surgery was performed on 20 feet (26%) for the treatment of infection and recurrent ulcer associated with deformity, including 6 (8%) lower limb amputations. CONCLUSION: Charcot arthropathy may resolve in most feet with early referral and nonoperative treatment, but remains a limb-threatening condition.

Pedal acrometastasis secondary to urothelial carcinoma masquerading as Charcot arthropathy in a patient with diabetes.

A woman in her 80s with known diabetes mellitus and bladder cancer presented to her general practitioner (GP) with pain and swelling in her left foot following trauma. Initial radiographs were reported as normal, prompting a diagnosis of a simple sprain and conservative management. Three months later, the patient was referred to the orthopaedic team due to progressively increasing pain and swelling. Repeat X-rays revealed lytic lesions in both the talus and navicular bones; MRI confirmed the presence of a lytic and proliferative defect in the mid-foot, which was reported as acute Charcot arthropathy with superimposed infection. This was also considered the most likely diagnosis when imaging was reviewed in two separate multidisciplinary team) meetings. However, biopsy demonstrated that the cause of the presentation was in fact acrometastasis from urothelial carcinoma, an infrequently described entity.

Comparative results of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis vs. open arthrodesis in patients with diabetes-associated Charcot Neuro-Arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies demonstrated a considerable complication rate for open ankle or TTC arthrodesis in patients with diabetes, revision surgery and ulceration. Extensive approaches in combination with multimorbide patients have been suggested as the rationale behind the increased complication rate. METHODS: Single-centre, prospective case-control study compared arthroscopic vs. open ankle arthrodesis in patients with Charcot Neuro-Arthropathy of the foot. 18 patients with septic Charcot Neuro-Arthropathy Sanders III-IV received an arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis with TSF (Taylor Spatial Frame®) fixation combined with different additional procedures required for infect treatment and hindfoot realignment. The ankle arthrodesis was required for the realignment of the hindfoot in Sanders IV patients, arthritis or in case of infection. 12 patients were treated with open ankle arthrodesis and TSF fixation combined with various additional procedures. RESULTS: A significant improvement has been shown in radiological data in both groups. A significant lower complication rate has been registered in arthroscopic group. A significant correlation was seen between major complications and therapeutic anticoagulation as well as smoking. CONCLUSION: In high-risk patients with diabetes and plantar ulceration excellent results could be demonstrated in arthroscopically performed ankle arthrodesis with midfoot osteotomy using TSF as fixation devise.

Case of bilateral hip joint Charcot arthropathy in a paediatric patient.

An adolescent girl came with swelling of both thighs with difficulty in walking for a few months. Based on clinical, and radiological evaluation and nerve conduction studies, she was diagnosed to be having bilateral hips Charcot's arthropathy due to hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type 4. Other common causes of Charcot arthropathy were ruled out. The patient was conservatively managed and parents were educated about preventive measures. Through this case report, we want to highlight the myriad number of manifestations and clinical presentations of a child presenting with hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type 4.

Incidence and Predictive Factors for Amputations Derived From Charcot's Neuroarthropathy in Persons With Diabetes.

Charcot's neuroarthropathy (CN) is the progressive destruction of the bones and joints of the feet, as a consequence of severe peripheral neuropathy, which predisposes patients to amputations. The purpose of this study was to measure the cumulative incidence of amputations resulting from CN and risk factors among amputated people with diabetes mellitus (DM). This was an epidemiological, observational, and retrospective study of 114 patients with DM who had an amputation involving the lower limbs. Data were collected from 2 specialized outpatient clinics between 2015 and 2019, including socio-demographic and clinical variables (cause of amputation: CN, peripheral arterial disease [PAD], infected ulcers, fracture, osteomyelitis, and others; body mass index [BMI]; 1 or 2 DM, time since DM diagnosis, insulin treatment, glycated hemoglobin; creatinine; smoking and drinking; systemic arterial hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, acute myocardial infarction, PAD, and stroke; characteristics of amputation [level and laterality], in addition to the specific variables related to CN [time of amputation in relation to the diagnosis of CN, diagnosis of CN in the acute phase, and treatment implemented in the acute phase]). We compared socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, including types of amputation, between patients with and without CN. Statistical analyses were performed using the 2 sample t-test or Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, for quantitative variables, and the Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. The investigation of the possible association of predictive factors for a CN amputation was carried out through logistic regression. The amputation caused by CN was present in 27 patients with a cumulative incidence of 23.7% in 5 years. There was a statistically significant association between BMI and the occurrence of CN (odds ratio: 1.083; 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.173; P = .048); higher values of BMI were associated with a higher occurrence of amputations secondary from CN.

Neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder secondary to operated syringomyelia: a case-based review.

Neuropathic arthropathy (NA) is a long-term progressive disorder that causes joint destruction in the existence of a neurologic deficit. Minor injuries and fractures are commonly overlooked until the visible joint deterioration becomes persistent. Syringomyelia is one of the important causes of NA. The appearance of clinical signs in syringomyelia is caused by longitudinal cysts formed in the cervical and cervicothoracic regions of the spinal cord. Depending on the existence of the underlying disorder, the number and localization of the syrinxes, a range of symptoms, involving pain, sensation deficit, loss of motor function, and deep tendon reflex abnormality, emerge. The case is here described of a 68-year-old female patient with shoulder NA following syringomyelia, who partially responded to the rehabilitation program. Furthermore, the available case reports were comprehensively reviewed on Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/Medline. Furthermore, the available case reports were comprehensively evaluated on Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/Medline. Thus, we aimed to present the demographic characteristics, symptoms, physical examination signs, treatment, and follow-up parameters of syringomyelia-related shoulder NA cases.

Iatrogenic Ankle Charcot Neuropathic Arthropathy after Spinal Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Charcot neuropathic arthropathy is a relatively rare, chronic disease that leads to joint destruction and reduced quality of life of patients. Early diagnosis of Charcot arthropathy is essential for a good outcome. However, the diagnosis is often based on the clinical course and longitudinal follow-up of patients is required. Charcot arthropathy is suspected in patients with suggestive symptoms and an underlying etiology. Failed spinal surgery is not a known cause of Charcot arthropathy. Herein we report a patient with ankle Charcot neuropathic arthropathy that developed after failed spinal surgery. A 58-year-old man presented to the emergency room due to painful swelling of the left ankle for 2 weeks that developed spontaneously. He underwent spinal surgery 8 years ago that was associated with nerve damage, which led to weakness of great toe extension and ankle dorsiflexion, and sensory loss below the knee. CT and T2-weighted sagittal MRI showed a fine erosive lesion, subluxation, sclerosis, fragmentation, and large bone defects. Based on the patient's history and radiological findings, Charcot arthropathy was diagnosed. However, the abnormal blood parameters, positive blood cultures, and severe pain despite the decreased sensation suggested a diagnosis of septic arthritis. Therefore, diagnostic arthroscopy was performed. The ankle joint exhibited continued destruction after the initial surgery. Consequently, several repeat surgeries were performed over the next 2 years. Despite the early diagnosis and treatment of Charcot arthropathy, the destruction of the ankle joint continued. Given the chronic disease course and poor prognosis of Charcot arthropathy, it is essential to consider this diagnosis in patients with neuropathy.

Diabetes Mellitus: An Overview in Relationship to Charcot Neuroarthropathy.

Diabetes mellitus with the lack of glycemic control increases risks for developing comorbidities affecting organ systems responsible for critical function. The development of diabetic neuropathy predisposes patients to the onset of Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN). There is significant complexity with treatment of diabetic-induced CN, which can have an often delayed or missed diagnosis. Supervision and treatment from trained specialists are required to provide care for this multifaceted disease process. It is essential for patients to partner with glucose control, comorbidity prevention and care, as well as lower extremity management. Ultimately, CN can result in significant lower extremity deformity placing patients at risk of limb and life.

Management of the Charcot Foot and Ankle: Nonreconstructive Surgery.

Diabetic neuroarthropathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus that results in instability of the foot, structural deformity, and soft-tissue breakdown. Commonly, midfoot collapse of the medial, lateral, or both longitudinal arches may result in increased plantar pressures and subsequent midfoot ulceration. Many of these wounds can be successfully managed with local wound care and off-loading; however, surgical intervention becomes necessary in cases of osteomyelitis or when the wound fails to heal despite conservative efforts. In cases where surgical reconstruction may not be indicated, nonreconstructive surgical efforts have shown effectiveness in resolving wounds and allowing patients to return to ambulatory lifestyles. This article serves as an update to current treatment recommendations for the nonreconstructive surgical management of Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Bone Metabolism in Charcot.

Bone metabolism in the healthy, young adult is identified as a relatively stable process. Normal bone turnover is a dynamic state, which is conferred through intracellular signaling and complex cellular pathways. It has been well described in the literature that Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy is a disease state, which is marked by intense bone turnover leading to structural collapse and dissolution of skeletal features of the foot and ankle. Within the last two decades, extensive interest has been placed in characterizing the metabolic pathogenesis of Charcot bone metabolism. Despite this work, there remains an incomplete understanding of this devastating disorder. In this article, we review bone histology, physiologic bone metabolism, biomarkers of bone metabolism, pathologic bone metabolism in Charcot diabetics, and potential avenues for intervention.

Nondiabetic Charcot Neuroarthropathy: Evaluation and Treatment.

There are many similarities between nondiabetic and diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) but many of the underlying causes causing nondiabetic neuropathy and CN are associated with poor bone quality. Patient workup for nondiabetic CN should include the underlying cause of the neuropathy and optimization of bony healing, such as vitamin D supplementation and bisphosphonate or calcitonin administration. Surgical reconstruction should include the most robust fixation possible, as nondiabetic patients with CN are more prone to delayed union.

Beaming the Charcot Foot.

The Charcot diabetic foot presents unique challenges to the podiatric surgeon in the quest to salvage the limb. This disorder is an intersection of prototypical metabolic diseases and neurodegenerative disorder. Furthermore, it can be considered a disease of bone and ligaments that is often complicated by peripheral vascular disease and serious deep infection. Presently, simplistic ablative surgical procedures and the brace-makers art, still have a valid place in treating this disorder. Newer methods of surgical reconstruction are rapidly evolving to address distorted and nonfunctional limb. This article seeks to evidence the principles and practice of beaming the Charcot midfoot. As will be presented, the beam is a load-sharing device, which can be surgically introduced in an intramedullary method to restore architecture and strength to the Charcot foot. Problems with beam failure and migration have resulted in unsatisfactory outcomes as will be discussed. New Charcot-specific beams are currently reaching the podiatric surgeon with hopes of improving durability. In this article, we aim to address the surgical art of the beam, the engineering principles of beaming, and the novel introduction of a truss/tie rod configuration of beaming.

Enfermedad de Charcot de pie y tobillo en pacientes con diabetes mellitus: análisis de las causas de re consultas en una unidad de pie diabético hospitalaria / Charcot´s disease of the foot and ankle in diabetic patients: analysis of the reasons for re admission at the hospital diabetic unity / Neuroartropatía de Charcot do pé e tornozelo em pacientes com diabetes mellitus: análise das causas das novas consultas em uma unidade de pés diabéticos do hospital

La neuroartropatia de Charcot es una complicación devastadora para los pacientes diabéticos, generando deformidades osteoarticulares con riesgo de ulceración, infección y amputación de miembros inferiores. El objetivo fue analizar en una población de pacientes diabéticos con secuela de neuroartropatía de Charcot, el motivo de re consulta y los tratamientos a los que fueron sometidos. El mismo se realizó en forma retrospectiva mediante observación de historias clínicas y estudios radiológicos de 22 pacientes tratados entre 2014 y 2018 en el Hospital Policial de Montevideo - Uruguay, con un tiempo de evolución mínimo de un año al momento de la revisión. Se contó con la aprobación del Comité de Ética de dicho hospital habiéndose completado un formulario con datos demográficos, tratamiento inicial, causas de las re consultas y tratamientos secundarios. Si bien al inicio de la enfermedad se siguieron los protocolos de tratamiento con alto nivel de recomendación, se observaron en las re consultas elevados porcentajes de re ulceración y necesidad de cirugías complementarias (59%). Se vinculan los resultados a la falta de categorización de paciente de riesgo para lograr seguimiento y captación precoz. El categorizar al paciente de riesgo permite establecer estrategias de educación y de tratamientos tendientes a disminuir porcentajes de nuevas lesiones que lleven a la necesidad de tratamientos secundarios o amputaciones.

One of the most devastating complications within diabetic patients is Diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy. It can lead to osteoarticular deformities, with risk of ulceration, infection or even lower limb amputation. In this paper, a population of diabetic patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy sequelae was studied. Data was analyzed on the reasons for the patients re consultation, the treatments they were subjected to and the obtained results. The study was conducted retrospectively by the examination of medical records from 22 patients that were treated between 2014 and 2018, with a follow-up of at least a year, at the Hospital Policial in Montevideo, Uruguay. Furthermore, it had the hospital's Ethics Committee approval. The data analysis was conducted by the completion of a form including demographic data, initial treatment, reasons for re consultation and secondary treatments. According to the findings, even though highly recommended protocols were followed at the onset of the disease, high percentage of ulceration and complementary surgeries were observed (59%) within the patient's data. The results are linked to the lack of risk patient´s categorization in order to achieve early uptake. Categorizing the patient at risk makes it possible to establish health education and treatment strategies aimed at reducing percentages of new injuries that lead to the need for secondary treatments or amputations.

A neuroartropatia de Charcot é uma complicação devastadora para os pacientes com diabetes, gerando deformidades osteoarticulares residuais com risco de úlceras, infecção e amputação maior dos membros inferiores. O objetivo foi analisar em uma população de pacientes diabéticos com sequelas da neuroartropatia de Charcot, o motivo da nova consulta e os tratamentos a que foram submetidos, bem como os resultados obtidos. Foi realizado retrospectivamente por meio de observação de histórias clinicas e estudos radiológicos de 22 pacientes atendidos no periodo de 2014 a 2018 no Hospital da Polícia de Montevidéu - Uruguai, com tempo de evolução mínimo de um ano na época da revisão. Foi aprovado pelo Comité de Ética do referido hospital, tendo sido preenchido um formulário com dados demográficos, tratamento inicial, causas das novas consultas e tratamentos secundários. Embora protocolos de tratamento com alto nível de recomendação tenham sido seguidos no início da doença, elevados percentuais de re ulcerações e cirurgias complementares (59%) foram observados nas novas consultas. Os resultados estão ligados à falta de categorização dos pacientes de risco para obter captação precoces A categorização do paciente de risco permite estabelecer estratégias de educação e tratamento com o objetivo de reduzir os percentuais de novas lesões que levam à necessidade de tratamentos secundários ou amputações.

Salvage of Chronic Therapy-Resistant Bilateral Charcot Foot Osteoarthropathy with Signs of Osteomyelitis.

Charcot arthropathy is an insidious condition affecting the lower limbs of diabetic patients. It is a complication of diabetic neuropathy resulting from subsequent Wallerian degeneration of the nerves. This complication may eventually lead to limb amputation and a poor patient prognosis if not diagnosed and treated successfully. Herein, we report the case of a 73-year-old female who presented with rapidly progressive bilateral Charcot foot over a 5-week period, necessitating an exostectomy on the mid foot, specifically on the cuboid bone and the navicular cuneiform joint. Her presentation with rapidly progressing foot ulcers on the plantar aspect prompted initial treatment based on osteomyelitis. The report will therefore serve as a useful guide on how to properly treat Charcot foot, which may present in an atypical manner.

The Shoulder Charcot Arthropathy and Secondary to Hemangioblastoma in Conus Medullari with Syringomyelia.

Charcot arthropathy of the shoulder joint is usually referred to as shoulder joint involvement of Charcot arthropathy, which is a chronic, degenerative, destructive condition resulting from decreasing or loss of sensorial innervation. To date, several reports have described the shoulder Charcot arthropathy, caused by malformations of the occipital region with syringomyelia; but nobody has reported the shoulder Charcot arthropathy secondary to hemangioblastoma in conus medullari with syringomyelia. Therefore, we report a 32-year male patient who was diagnosed with Charcot arthropathy of the shoulder joint, which was misdiagnosed as a soft tissue tumor and treated surgically. After the operation, the whole-spine MRI examination was performed as a presenting feature of hemangioblastoma in conus medullari with syringomyelia. Key Words: Arthropathy, Neurogenic, Hemangioblastoma, Syringomyelia.

Risk Factors and Outcomes After Surgical Reconstruction of Charcot Neuroarthropathy in Fracture Versus Dislocation Patterns.

The primary aim of this study is to compare the preoperative risk factors and postoperative outcomes between Charcot neuroarthropathy patients with dislocation versus purely fracture pattern breakdown. The secondary aim is to compare the same factors between Charcot neuroarthropathy patients with dislocation versus fracture-dislocation pattern breakdown. A total of 55 patients with forefoot, midfoot, or hindfoot Charcot Neuroarthopathy were assessed at a mean follow up of 2.99 years. Bivariate analysis compared preoperative risk factors and postoperative outcomes, and segmented multivariable regression analysis was performed. Dislocation pattern Charcot had statistically significant higher rates of broken hardware (p = .05), mean age (p = .01), and revisional exostectomy (p = .01) compared to pure fracture pattern Charcot. Dislocation pattern Charcot was 12 times more likely to have revisions exostectomy (odds ratio [OR] 12.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84-78.37), and was 8 times more likely to have osteomyelitis (OR 7.8, 95% CI 1.4-42.7, p = .02) compared to the fracture-dislocation pattern Charcot. The patients with pure fracture pattern Charcot were 58.8 times more likely to have Charcot breakdown involvement of the talonavicular joint compared to the dislocation pattern cohort (OR 58.83, 95% CI 1.1-3220.3). Involvement of the talonavicular joint, in the fracture pattern Charcot associate with medial column collapse occurring at the onset of Charcot breakdown. The dislocation pattern in Charcot Neuroarthropathy demonstrated a higher propensity for residual collapse as demonstrated by the higher rates of broken hardware, osteomyelitis, and need for revisional exostectomy.

Shoulder arthropathy secondary to syringomyelia: case series of 10 patients.

PURPOSE: Neuroarthropathy is a progressive joint degeneration secondary to neurological diseases. In the upper extremity, the shoulder is the most exposed, and it is mainly caused by syringomyelia. This condition is rare; therefore, the literature has documented only a few case reports or case series of small groups of patients. METHODS: We collected data about patients with shoulder arthropathy due to syringomyelia who were treated in our two institutes and collected among members of the Polish Shoulder and Elbow Society. Our analysis was based on epidemiological data, symptoms, and clinical examinations. We also examined the results of diagnostic tests, including-spinal cord MRI and shoulder X-ray, and treatment methods and their effectiveness. RESULTS: The examined group included 10 women with an average age of 63 years. Of these, nine patients reported pain, seven reported-swelling, and nine reported-weakness. In every patient, diagnosis was confirmed by X-ray of the shoulder with joint degeneration and MRI of the spinal cord with syrinx. Two patients were operated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty; the first one had excellent result-significant active range of motion improvement and reduction of symptoms, and the second one had a good result-pain relief and moderate range of motion improvement. Other patients were conservatively treated, resulting in total or partial symptoms relief but without significant range of motion improvement. CONCLUSION: Charcot shoulder secondary to syringomyelia was mainly manifested by range of motion limitation, swelling, and pain. Both conservative and surgical treatments could be a good solution. However, if reverse arthroplasty is technically possible, it seems to be the most promising treatment for recovering function.