Charcot Arthropathy

Exam Cram

• Charcot arthropathy is a caused by minor trauma to a frail diabetic joint with significant neuropathic damage

• Presentation: painless, swollen and deformed joint, XR shows fracture/ deformities

• Diagnosis: clinical

• Management: immobilisation in plaster cast, diabetes review

Similar names: Charcot foot. 

Outline

Background

• Associated with poorly controlled diabetes with peripheral neuropathy

Assessment

History

• Joint, e.g. left ankle, giving way

Examination

• Joint, e.g. left ankle, swollen & reduced sensation

Investigations

• XR: multiple gross fractures

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria: clinical

Management

• Immobilisation in a cast

• Review 3 months later

• Consider bisphosphonates

• Blood sugar management review

Resources and References

1. https://www.england.nhs.uk/north-east-yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2019/07/the-charcot-foot.pdf

2. Harris A, Violand M. Charcot Neuropathic Osteoarthropathy. [Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470164/

Written in 2025