Surgical treatment of Charcot neuropathy.

Charcot neuroarthropathy, a chronic progressive destruction of joint integrity, is believed to result from a disturbance in pain and proprioceptive sensation. It is most commonly treated in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and dense peripheral neuropathy. Prevention, early diagnosis, and early treatment are key to a patient's successful outcome. Educating the patient is paramount to avoid further complications and subsequent amputations. This article describes the pathophysiology, staging, surgical treatment, and natural course of Charcot neuroarthropathy. (c) AORN, Inc, 2008.