November 25, 2001
Complications
Question from Holbrok, New York, USA:
My 30 year old son has had Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young diabetes since age 18 and has neuropathy. Unfortunately, he developed Charcot’s foot in his left foot and was in a hard cast for four weeks. After that, he was put in a “walking cast” for three weeks and then the podiatrist took an x-ray because she wasn’t satisfied with the way the foot looked. It showed minor disintegration of the arch bones. He was once again put on crutches and no weight bearing whatsoever for three weeks, at which time another set of x-rays were taken. Fortunately, it showed some fusion of the bone, but he was still placed on no weight bearing for another two weeks. The doctor has suggested that since he is young, surgery may be an answer. can you advise where I can find out more information about this type of surgery for Charcot foot so we will be in a better position to decide if surgery is the way to go. His blood sugar control has been excellent.
Answer:
See The Charcot Foot in Diabetes: Six Key Points on the American Academy of Family Practice website and Diabetic foot on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons site if you are interested in more on-line information. However, your son’s best bet is to see a good orthopedic surgeon who has expertise in dealing with Charcot foot.
MSB
