Charcot Joint (Charcot Arthropathy) A destructive arthropathy resulting from peripheral neuropathy and increased bone blood flow from reflex vasodilation. A Charcot foot results in fractures and dislocations of bones with minimal or no known trauma.

Stages

Charcot Joint (Charcot Arthropathy) A destructive arthropathy resulting from peripheral neuropathy and increased bone blood flow from reflex vasodilation. A Charcot foot results in fractures and dislocations of bones with minimal or no known trauma.

Stages

Stage 1 (acute): Red, hot, swollen foot. Radiographically there may be signs of early bony fragmentation and joint dislocation. It is very mportant to off weight the foot as soon as these symptoms develop.

Stage 2 (coalescence): Redness and warmth while still present are decreased. Radiographs show early signs of bony healing.

Stage 3 (consolidation): Redness, swelling, and warmth resolve. Radiographically bones stabilize, round off, and fuse in place. Severe deformity may be present based on the patient’s weight-bearing status in stages 1 and 2.