[Diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy of the knee joint. A rare but increasing complication--case report].

Since the clinical entity of diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy has become known as a possible complication of the diabetic foot syndrome, the number of cases reported in the literature has increased. Up to 50 cases worldwide have been described since 1970 although the number of unknown cases is likely much higher. This dreaded complication poses a difficult challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Reports on long-term results seem to show that surgical intervention is a relative indication. This contribution describes a case of acute neuro-osteoarthropathy of the knee joint and subsequent successful conservative management after an unsuccessful osteosynthesis. In addition, the literature published since 1970 dealing with this rare complication is examined and critically discussed.