Charcot foot: Update, diagnosis, treatment, reconstruction, and limb salvage

Charcot neuroarthropathy continues to be a complex clinical challenge. The diagnosis is not a simple one and is therefore usually delayed. Principles of treatment consist of an initial period of nonweightbearing with a cast. Nonoperative treatment is considered to be the standard for most neuroarthropathic conditions but in the presence of severe instability, gross deformity, or recurrent ulcerations, surgery must be considered. Guidelines of surgery include correct timing, adequate fixation, and a long post-operation nonweightbearing period. Ideally, the prompt identification of patients in the early stages of neuroarthropathy would enhance treatment outcomes and reduce patient morbidity.