Neuropathic fractures in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Six patients with diabetes mellitus sustained neuropathic fractures. All had depressed or absent pain sensation in their legs. Four patients had unusual avulsion fractures in the posterior tubercle of the calcaneus. One had sustained six fractures within a period of six months. In 4 patients the fractures were followed by or associated with neuroarthropathy. The incidence and etiology of such fractures are discussed.