A prospective study to evaluate the value of plain foot X-ray to detect preclinical Charcot osteoneuropathy in longstanding diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: Charcot foot is a longstanding complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the incidence of undiagnosed Charcot disease among diabetic patients ranges from 0.4% to 13%. Aim of the study: this study aims to diagnose preclinical Charcot disease in longstanding diabetic patients. Patients and methods: a prospective study was carried out on 50 patients with longstanding diabetes. Full history was taken, laboratory and radiological investigations were performed. Results: 52% of patients were found to have positive findings for Charcot disease. Positive findings on X-ray were found to be significantly related with age, HbA1C, DM duration and body mass index. Conclusion: Patients with longstanding diabetes mellitus with no obvious deformity or foot ulcerations should be screened for Charcot foot X-ray findings and should be advised about proper glycemic control, avoiding minor trauma and seeking medical advice once early clinical signs of Charcot foot appear