This document discusses Charcot foot, also known as neuropathic foot, which is a condition where repetitive stress causes destruction of bones and joints in the foot. It primarily affects those with nerve damage from conditions like diabetes, syphilis, tabes dorsalis, and leprosy. Charcot foot was first described by Jean-Martin Charcot in 1868. Physical findings include swelling, deformity, warmth, and bone resorption. Treatment involves immobilization in the acute phase to reduce stress, and bracing or surgery in the post-acute phase depending on the location and severity of damage. The document also briefly discusses the risks and management of diabetic foot complications.

1. NEUROPATHIC
(CHARCOT )FOOT

3. Blood supply
t
 Arterial:
◦ Posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis
supply the foot
 Venous:
◦ Deep veins follow the arteries
◦ Superficial veins arise from dorsal
venous arch

4. Nerve supply
The foot is supplied by the (1)
tibial, (2) deep peroneal, (3)
superficial peroneal, (4)sural,
and (5)saphenous

7. CHARCOT FOOT
Named after Jean-Martin Charcot (1868)
Charcot noted this disease process as a complication of syphillis
In 1936, Charcot foot was found to be related to diabetic patients
Pathophysiology:
Neurotraumatic
theory
Neurovascular theoryNeurotraumatic theory:
Unperceive trauma to
insensate foot.
Pt unaware of osseous
destruction occur during
ambulation
Micro trauma leads to
progressive destruction to
bones and joints
Neurovascular theory:
Autonomic neuropathy
causing extremities to
receive increased bloodflow
Results in mismatch in bone
destruction and synthesis,
leading to osteopenia

8. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE
PRINCIPLE PREDISPOSING
DISEASES:
DIABETES
SYRINGOMYELIA
LEPROSY
TABES DORSALIS

9. Physical
9
Physical Findings & Investigations

10. Physical
10
Physical Findings & Investigations

11. Presentation:
Vary from mild swelling and no deformity to moderate
deformity with significant swelling
Always presents with signs of inflammation: warmth, joint
effusion, erythema, bone resorption
Pain occurs in > 75% of patients
Instability and loss of joint function; “bags of loose bones”
Amputation Risk (Usually BKA)
Type 100 person-year
Charcot alone 4.1
Ulcer alone 4.7
Charcot + Ulcer Up to 12 times

12. Classification
Many types
Based on anatomic involvement
Brodsky and Rouse
system

13. Schön Classification
Type Pattern
1 Lisfranc (60%)
2 Cuneonavicular
3 Perinavicular (3a ankle
joint, 3b posterior
calcaneous)
4 Transverse tarsal
(multiple joint)
5 Forefoot

14. MANAGEMENT
Conservative Surgery
ACUTE
PHASE
POST-ACUTE
PHASE

15. Acute phase:
Immobilization: e.g. Total contact cast (3-6 months)
Reduction of stress
Ideally non-weight bear
PWB with crutches
Post-acute phase: Patient education and foot care
Consider brace e.g. Charcot restraint orthotic walker
Total healing typically takes 1-2 years

16. Surgical therapy:
Based on location of disease, surgeon preferences and
experience with Charcot arthropathy
Surgical procedure include exostosectomy of bony
prominence, osteotomy, arthrodesis, screw and plate fixation,
ORIF, reconstructive surgery, fusion with Achilles tendon
lengthening, autologous bone grafting and amputation.

17. Location Surgery
Ankle with displaced # ORIF
Tibiotalar destruction Arthrodesis
Avascular necrosis of talus Talectomy with tibiocalcaneal fusion
Hindfoot Arthrodesis
Midfoot Correction of rocker-bottom deformity
and osteotomies for bony prominence
Hindfoot/ankle equinus contracture Posterior release/Achilles tendon
leengthening
Forefoot Resection arthroplasty or cheilectomy

18. DIABETIC FOOT

19. The Diabetic Foot may be defined as a group of
syndromes in which neuropathy, ischaemia, and
infection lead to tissue breakdown resulting in
morbidity and possible amputation
( WHO 1995 )

22. Peripheral Neuropathy
Sensory
Motor
Autonomic

24. Precipitating Factors
Trauma
puncture/thermal/stress/footwear

26. MANAGEMENT

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