Charcot Foot
What underlying complication of diabetes most commonly leads to Charcot neuroarthropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy
What laboratory marker is commonly elevated in cellulitis?
ESR/CRP
What imaging study is usually obtained first when evaluating a swollen diabetic foot?
Xray
What is the single most important initial treatment for acute Charcot foot?
Offloading/ non-weight bearing
How often should patients with diabetic neuropathy inspect their feet?
Daily
Which part of the foot is most commonly affected by Charcot arthropathy?
The midfoot (tarsometatarsal/Lisfranc joints)
A diabetic patient has a plantar ulcer that probes to bone. What diagnosis should be suspected?
Osteomyelitis
True or False:
A normal X-ray rules out acute Charcot foot.
False
Which specialty is primarily responsible for surgical correction of Charcot deformity?
Podiatric surgery (Orthopedic foot and ankle surgery also acceptable.)
Name one symptom that should prompt immediate medical evaluation after foot surgery.
Patients with Charcot foot often report surprisingly little pain despite severe bony destruction. Why?
Peripheral sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception.
A diabetic patient with cellulitis is started on antibiotics, but the foot remains warm, swollen, and unstable. What underlying condition should be suspected?
Charcot neuroarthropathy
Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting early Charcot changes?
MRI
Name four members of the multidisciplinary team commonly involved in caring for a patient with Charcot foot.
Why is strict non-weight-bearing crucial after Charcot surgery?
To prevent collapse, hardware failure, delayed healing, and recurrent deformity.
Name two clinical findings that make you suspect acute Charcot rather than a simple ankle sprain.
Name two findings on MRI that favor osteomyelitis over Charcot arthropathy.
Name one classic radiographic finding of Charcot arthropathy.
What surgical device is commonly used to stabilize severe Charcot deformities while minimizing internal hardware placement?
External fixation
Name three strategies patients can use to reduce future diabetic foot complications.
What classic foot deformity develops as Charcot disease progresses?
Rocker-bottom deformity
What rapidly progressive soft tissue infection requires immediate surgical intervention and is often associated with subcutaneous gas?
Necrotizing fasciitis
Why can MRI sometimes have difficulty distinguishing Charcot arthropathy from osteomyelitis?
Because both can produce bone marrow edema, soft tissue edema, and bone destruction
Name one antibiotic commonly used for severe diabetic foot infections requiring MRSA coverage.
Vancomycin
Name five key discharge teaching points for a patient following Charcot reconstruction.