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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2006; 114(8): 428-431
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924229
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG · Stuttgart · New York

Evaluation of the Diabetic Charcot Foot by MR Imaging or Plain Radiography - an Observational Study

E. Chantelau 1 , L. W. Poll 2
  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Rheumatology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
  • 2Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: January 29, 2006 First decision: April 20, 2006

Accepted: April 21, 2006

Publication Date:
13 October 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) images and concomitant plain radiographs of 26 Charcot feet of different stages (stage 0 to III) were reviewed in retrospect for discordant findings. Bone and joint abnormalities were evaluated qualitatively, and quantitatively guided by the AO integral classification of injuries of the foot. MR images revealed traumatic bone and joint injuries (bone oedema, occult fractures, and joint effusion) already in stage 0, when X-ray still showed normal bone and joint anatomy (p=0.02). Moreover, MR images revealed bone oedema, joint effusion and soft tissue oedema in addition to fractures and calluses in stage I (bone dissolution), stage II (bone coalescence), and stage III (bone remodeling), i.e., in stages with overt radiographic pathology. According to this observational study, MR imaging, in addition to radiography, provides important information as to the extent and the natural course of bone injury in the diabetic Charcot foot. MR imaging, thus, may improve disease staging, as well as treatment monitoring.

Key words

Diabetes - neuropathy - diabetic foot - autoimmunity - diabetes mellitus - diabetic foot - complications - stress fracture - stress injury

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Correspondence

Prof. Dr. med. E. Chantelau

Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Rheumatologie· MNR-Klinik·Heinrich-Heine-Universität

Postfach 10 10 07

40001 Düsseldorf

Email: lobnig@med.uni-duesseldorf.de

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