Bilateral diabetic Charcot foot.

BACKGROUND

Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) of the foot is a devastating neuropathic complication of diabetes. It is characterised by deformity of the foot architecture,which can be initiated by trauma to the neuropathic limb or occur spontaneously.The acute phase of the disease is often misdiagnosed and can rapidly lead to deformity and amputation. The aim of management is to halt further bone destruction through immobilisation of the affected limb.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the diagnosis and management of bilateral diabetic CNO of the foot, diagnosed early according to clinical presentation with normal radiograph findings (Eichenholtz stage 0).

DISCUSSION

The importance of early detection of clinical signs and subsequent diagnosis of CNO of the foot is vital in order to allow for the institution of management, with the aim of preserving normal foot architecture.