The Diabetic Charcot Foot from 1936 to 2016: Eighty Years Later and Still Growing

Knowledge of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (DCN) has grown tremendously since this condition was first described in 1936 by William Riely Jordan. Despite advancements in diagnostic approaches and treatment options making DCN limb salvage a more viable option, ongoing and additional research is needed to determine the definitive pathogenesis, which may aid in prevention of the condition. This article chronicles the main developments for the study and management of DCN since 1936 and recommends using the term diabetic Charcot-Jordan foot when specifically managing foot and ankle neuroarthropathy joints in patients with diabetic neuropathy.