DEFINITION

• Diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy is commonly known as Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy (CN), Charcot joint disease (CJD) or the Charcot foot.[14][4]
• A potentially disabling complication of diabetes, it creates a local osteopenic reaction. The weakened bone continues to bear weight and this results in deformity and instability of the foot and/or ankle.
• As the bones collapse, the deformity can subsequently create a "rocker bottom" deformity, ulceration, or infection, and can ultimately lead to amputation.
• Active (acute) condition: a sudden, unexpected and often misdiagnosed neuropathic arthropathy, often preceded by unrecognized minor trauma; characterized by rapidly progressive localized inflammation with erythema, swelling, elevated skin temperature and associated with sterile destruction of joints including subluxation, dislocation, fractures, osteolysis and foot deformity.
• Inactive (chronic) condition: Characterized by resolution of inflammation, exuberant ossification, increased bone density, restoration of stability and foot deformity.