Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 99Tc WBC-SPECT/CT Scanning in Differential Diagnosis between Osteomyelitis and Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing between Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN), osteomyelitis (OM), and CN complicated with superimposed OM in diabetic patients is crucial for the treatment choice. Given that current diagnostic methods lack specificity, advanced techniques, e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT), are needed. This study addresses the challenges in distinguishing OM and CN. METHODS: We included diabetic patients with CN and soft tissue ulceration. MRI and 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC SPECT/CT were used for the diagnosis. The patients were classified into three probability levels for OM (i.e., Definite, Probable, and Unlikely) according to the Consensus Criteria for Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis (CC-DFO). RESULTS: Eight patients met the eligibility criteria. MRI, supported by SPECT-CT and CC-DFO, showed consistency with the OM diagnosis in three cases. The key diagnostic features included the location of signal abnormalities and secondary features such as skin ulcers, sinus tracts, and abscesses. Notably, cases with inconclusive MRI were clarified by SPECT/CT, emphasizing its efficacy in challenging scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: The primary objective of this study was to compare the results of MRI and 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC SPECT/CT with the CC-DFO score in the diabetic foot with CN and suspected OM. Advanced imaging offers a complementary approach to distinguish between CN and OM. This can help delineate the limits of the disease for presurgical planning. While MRI is valuable, 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC SPECT/CT provides additional clarity, especially in challenging cases or when metallic implants affect MRI accuracy.

Use of NaF and FDG PET/CT Scan for the Assessment of Charcot Joint in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: All That Glitters is Gold?

Increasingly Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is being recognized in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. In this report, we describe a case of CN in a CMT patient, adding to the very scarce literature describing this association. We additionally report his unique evaluation with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and sodium fluoride (NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning, the study of which is limited in CN despite its promising role. A 54-year-old known case of CMT, presented with left foot pain, and swelling for 4 months. Weakness and sensory deficits as a result of CMT were evident in both lower and upper limbs. His x-ray was suggestive of CN. Both FDG and NaF PET/CT scanning demonstrated increased tracer uptake in the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ), in keeping with CN. Recognition of the association of CMT with CN is of vital importance as early diagnosis relies on high clinical suspicion. Characterizing risk factors of CN in CMT patients is still under study. Moreover, there is lack of data evaluating the role of PET/CT in CN and specifically in the context of CMT.

The Utility of Sulfur Colloid Imaging to Differentiate Charcot's Neuroarthropathy from Osteomyelitis: A Case Study.

Charcot's neuroarthropathy and osteomyelitis can have similar initial presentations. The ability to differentiate between the two pathologic conditions is essential, as each requires different treatment. We present a case of a 53-year-old woman with pain, swelling, and warmth in her left first metatarsophalangeal joint and first tarsometatarsal joint. Radiographs showed comminuted fractures at the base of the first metatarsal. Osteomyelitis was suspected by the primary team based on physical findings and a history of previous first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. A triphasic bone scan and an indium white blood cell scan were positive for osteomyelitis. The podiatric medical team was suspicious for possible Charcot's neuroarthropathy based on physical findings and uncontrolled blood glucose levels at the time of her previous arthrodesis. A sulfur colloid scan was performed and compared with an indium scan, which showed no evidence of osteomyelitis. This case demonstrates the usefulness of sulfur colloid imaging compared with an indium white blood cell scan to differentiate osteomyelitis from Charcot's neuroarthropathy. This case also highlights the importance of using clinical judgment to make the correct diagnosis.

Rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis: Charcot Neuro-osteoarthropathy.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease.However, there are few cases of Charcot Neuro-osteoarthropathy (CN) caused by rheumatoid diseases in clinical reports. It is not easy to pay attention to the diagnosis of CN in the complications of rheumatoid disease, which greatly increases the probability of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. This case reported a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis, Charcot arthritis, and the molecular mechanism and diagnosis and treatment of CN caused by RA were systematically discussed. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient, a 79-year-old woman, was hospitalized due to bilateral shoulder pain, limited activity for half a year, aggravated for 4 months to the hospital. During this period, the symptoms did not improve after treatment with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The patient was previously diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for more than 3 years and intermittent irregular use of methylprednisolone and methotrexate for 2 years. She had a history of osteoporosis. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: symmetrical malformed swelling of the finger joints of both hands; Bilateral supraspinatus and deltoid muscle atrophy, tenderness at the acromion, and attachment of the long head tendon of the biceps brachii were observed. The left Dugas test and the right Dugas test were positive.Blood test: anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (A-CCP) 33.10U/ml (normal range: 0-5RU/ml); antinuclear antibody quantification (ANA) 47.40AU/ml (normal range: Negative or < 32); anti-double stranded DNA IgG antibody quantification (dsDNA) 31.00 IU/ml (normal range: 0-100 IU/ml); D-Dimer 6.43 µg/ml (normal range: 0-0.5 mg/L); erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 27 mm/h (normal range: < 20 mm/60 min). C-reactive protein (CRP) 39.06 mg/L(0.068-8 mg/L).MRI 3.0 T enhancement of bilateral shoulder joints, cervical spine and thoracic spine showed: 1.Large bone destruction, cartilage injury, multiple effusion, synovitis, obvious on the right side. 2.Intervertebral disc degeneration, cervical 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, 6/7 disc herniation, with cervical 3/4 obvious, posterior central herniation; CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatoid arthritis complicated with Charcot's joint is rare. Clinically, patients with rheumatoid diseases should not ignore Charcot's joint complications because of rareness. Early blood inflammatory markers, neuro electrophysiology, and imaging MRI of rheumatoid CN are of great significance for the diagnosis of this mild or early neurovascular inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment are helpful to prevent further joint injury. The clinical diagnosis, treatment, and molecular mechanism of osteolysis in RA and peripheral sensory nerve injury remain to be further revealed.

The Differentiation Between Infection and Acute Charcot.

The differentiation between acute Charcot neuroarthropathy and infection in the foot and ankle should be supported by multiple criteria. A detailed history and physical examination should always be completed. Plain radiographs should be performed, though advanced imaging, currently MRI, is more helpful in diagnosis. Scintigraphy and PET may become the standard imaging modalities once they are more clinically available due to their reported increased accuracy. Laboratory analysis can also act as a helpful diagnostic tool. Histopathology with culturing should be performed if osteomyelitis is suspected. The prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment is vital to reducing patient morbidity and mortality.

Intraoperative Radiation Exposure During Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction.

While radiation exposure in foot and ankle surgery varies by procedure, attempts to minimize this hazard remain imperative to protect patients and surgeons. Hindfoot deformity correction employs significant radiation through intraoperative fluoroscopy, however, a paucity of data exists concerning Charcot reconstruction. This investigation describes and compares radiation exposure across varying Charcot pathology and fixation constructs. A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing midfoot Charcot reconstruction under large C-arm assistance from 2016-2022 was conducted. Demographics, pathology-specific, and intervention-specific variables were recorded and compared among midfoot reconstructions. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05. Among 40 patients, the average midfoot radiation exposure and fluoroscopy times were 9.5 ± 5.39 mGy and 256.64 ± 130.67 seconds, respectively. There existed no statistically significant difference in radiation exposure (p = .32) or fluoroscopy times (p = .71) among the different midfoot constructs. There existed a statistically significant relationship between radiation exposure with weight (p = .01) body mass index (p = .03) and number of stages (p = .04). Similarly, a relationship existed between fluoroscopy time with weight (p = .02), body mass index (p = .03), and number of beams/screws (p = .003). Due to the complexity of Charcot reconstruction coupled with multiple robust types of fixation, surgeons must remain cognizant of fluoroscopy usage. Moreover, providers who routinely perform Charcot reconstruction should wear personal protective equipment to protect against radiation.

Prevalence of Ankle Charcot Neuroarthropathy Presenting in a Tertiary Care Center.

Charcot neuroarthropathy's (CN) anatomic classification was originally formulated by the Brodsky article and the Trepman et al modification, including midfoot (type 1), rearfoot (type 2), ankle (type 3a), calcaneus (type 3b), multiarticular (type 4), and forefoot (type 5). In these classic studies, ankle joint and multijoint CN are reported as 9% and 6% to 9%, respectively, but we believe ankle CN to be more common than that in a tertiary setting. We retrospectively reviewed patients presenting initially or as referral between 2004 and 2020. Initial presentation radiographs were reviewed and classified by 3 authors based on Brodsky's model with Trepman and colleagues' modification, and any discrepancies were reviewed by the fourth author. A total of 175 patients (205 feet) were assessed. This revealed 80 cases classified as type 1 (39.0%), 23 cases type 2 (11.2%), 17 cases type 3a (8.3%), 2 cases type 3b (1.0%), and 83 cases type 4 (40.5%). After subdividing type 4, total prevalence included 150 with type 1 anatomic location (73.2%), 103 type 2 (50.2%), 44 type 3a (21.5%), and still 2 type 3b (1.0%). This study revealed a similar prevalence of isolated ankle CN (8.5%) compared to the Trepman et al article (9%), however, in total, ankle CN (21.5%) occurred 2.4-times more than the original 9%. Our study also found there to be a higher prevalence of ankle CN in the setting of multiarticular CN, which has not been evaluated in past studies. The prevalence of multiarticular CN was found to be 4.5-fold greater than the Trepman article (6%-9%).

Management of the Hindfoot and Ankle in Charcot Arthropathy.

Neuropathic destabilization of the hindfoot and/or ankle is a significant complication for the patient with diabetes/neuropathy. The loss of ligamentous integrity and bony destruction results in a limb that is not stable for weight bearing. This loss of independence adds significant health risks to the patient. Management of this disease process is both time consuming and technically demanding for both the practitioner and the patient. Attention to detail and aggressive decision making is often necessary to salvage the limb. The goal for treatment is to produce a stable, weight-bearing limb that is shoeable and free from soft-tissue ulceration.

Charcot Arthropathy of the Digit: A Report of 2 Cases.

CASE: Charcot arthropathy (CA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease typically affecting lower extremity weight-bearing joints, with only a few cases reported in the fingers. We present 2 cases of interphalangeal joint CA: the long finger distal interphalangeal joint in a 73-year-old man with severe carpal tunnel syndrome and the ring finger proximal interphalangeal joint of a 71-year-old woman with diabetic neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Two cases of CA of the digits were treated with splinting with resolution of symptoms and no wound complications.

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.

Progression to Hindfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy After Midfoot Charcot Correction in Patients With and Without Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis.

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNA) is a disabling and progressive disease that affects the bones and joints of the foot. Successful Charcot reconstruction focuses on restoring anatomic alignment, obtaining multiple joint arthrodesis, selecting stable fixation, preserving foot length, and creating a foot suitable for community ambulation in supportive shoegear. Intramedullary fixation arthrodesis of the medial and lateral columns has been previously reported to produce improvement in midfoot Charcot reconstruction. More recently, a growing trend of stabilization of the subtalar joint (STJ) has been incorporated alongside the medial and lateral column fusion. Our objectives were to retrospectively review patients who underwent midfoot Charcot reconstructive surgery, whether with or without accompanying STJ arthrodesis, and establish which patients progressed to ankle CNA. Of the 72 patients who underwent midfoot Charcot reconstruction, 28 (38.9%) underwent STJ arthrodesis, and 22 converted to ankle CNA (30.6%). Fourteen (63.6%) of 22 ankle CNA cases had not undergone STJ arthrodesis; 8 patients (36.4%) had it. A Fisher exact test was performed to identify the relationship between those without STJ arthrodesis and those progressing to ankle CNA; it revealed statistical significance (p = .001). Performing an STJ arthrodesis with midfoot Charcot reconstructive surgery may be beneficial to aiding in hindfoot stability, establishing a plantigrade foot, and providing further insight into the management of midfoot Charcot.

Acute Charcot arthropathy as a first presentation of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Charcot arthropathy in people with diabetes is generally seen when diabetes has been well established, and therefore it is not routinely considered as a differential diagnosis in people presenting with erythematous and oedematous joints in primary care. We present two cases of acute Charcot arthropathy as a first presentation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The first case describes a man in his 70s, who presented with a 5-week history of right foot pain, treated initially in the community as cellulitis. A diagnosis of acute Charcot arthropathy was made in the emergency department following review by the orthopaedic and podiatry department. The second case describes a woman in her 40s who presented with a 2-week history of ankle pain. Charcot arthropathy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and these cases highlight the importance of including Charcot arthropathy in the differential diagnosis when people present with atypical joint swelling.

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.

Multi-joint Charcot arthropathy caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy and adult degenerative scoliosis with syringomyelia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Charcot arthropathy, also known as neuropathic arthropathy, is a rare disease whose early diagnosis and treatment are very difficult. Generally, diabetes is considered the most common cause of Charcot arthropathy. Although Charcot arthropathy of other secondary etiology has been reported, in most cases only a single joint is accumulated, and rarely involving the feet and shoulders. Clinically, Charcot arthropathy due to delayed diagnosis leads to joint destruction and severe cases abound. CASE PRESENTATION: What we report is an unprecedented case, in which the patient was diagnosed as left shoulder joint, interdigital joint Charcot arthropathy caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and left knee and right ankle Charcot arthropathy caused by adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) complicated by syringomyelia. The 82-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital for complaining of pain in the left knee joint. Except for scoliosis that was discovered 10 years ago, the patient denied any other obvious past medical history. Clinical/surgical manifestations, detailed physical examinations and auxiliary examinations all indicated the presence of polyarticular Charcot arthropathy, but common causes of Charcot arthropathy such as diabetes and syphilis have not been detected. After making a comprehensive differential diagnosis, we finally made the above diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This previously unreported case describes the complexity and etiological diversity of Charcot arthropathy. We recommend that patients with CSM and/or scoliosis, spinal deformity undergo further examination and regular follow-up. A detailed medical history and careful physical examination are necessary for the correct diagnosis of Charcot arthropathy. Although the early diagnosis of Charcot arthropathy cannot change the natural course of the disease, it is beneficial to alleviate symptoms and prevent serious complications.

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.

Neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist revealing a syringomyelia.

Syringomyelia is uncommonly revealed by a neuropathic arthropathy (Charcot joint) and characterised by its slow progression with late neurological symptoms. In this particular field, neuropathic arthropathies mainly affect the shoulders and the elbows.We report a new case of neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist caused by syringomyelia, because of the rarity of this condition as well as its uncommon location.Neuropathic arthropathy caused by syringomyelia is poorly published in the literature. This atypical entity should be considered in case of Charcot arthropathy associated with neurological loss, especially when it affects the upper limbs.

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.

The Use of Hexapod External Fixation in the Management of Charcot Foot and Ankle Deformities.

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) and its sequela is a disabling pathology in the foot and ankle. The 2-stage computer hexapod-assisted technique is an effective tool to address midfoot Charcot and ankle-hindfoot deformities to restore function and decrease the risk of amputation secondary to ulceration and infection. Although this is not the only technique available, it is an excellent option in cases with significant angular deformity or subluxation, need to reduce shortening of the foot, and in the presence of soft tissue defects, with or without concurrent soft tissue or bone infection.

Circular Fixation in Charcot.

Static circular fixation is a valuable tool for patients with Charcot foot and ankle deformities. The versatility of circular fixators allows for dynamic adjustments over time and can allow for off-loading of flaps or ulcers. The circular fixator can be used as a primary fixation device in cases of osteomyelitis or to facilitate lengthening when a segmental bone defect exists such as loss of the talus. As a secondary fixation device it can protect the internal fixation or be used when there is a compromised soft tissue envelope.