Charcot arthropathy

EPIDEMIOLOGY In 1968, Jean-Martin Charcot described neuroarthropathy in the foot in relation to tabes dorsalis (1). He proposed the first theory in how this process may occur. In 1936, Jordan was the first to described Charcot in diabetes (2). Charcot neuroarthropathy is a disabling and devastating condition. Although the cause of this potentially debilitating condition is not known, it is generally accepted that the components of diabetic neuropathy that lead to foot complications must exist. Untreated Charcot arthropathy may lead to a rocker bottom foot, which will lead to increased plantar pressure in the neuropathic foot. This cascade will lead to an ulceration and possible amputation. A recent study shows, however, that Charcot arthropathy alone may not pose a risk for amputation, but Charcot arthropathy along with an ulceration has 12 times increased risk of having an amputation (3).