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. 2010 Sep 23;2(2):e17.
doi: 10.4081/or.2010.e17.

Arthroplasty of a Charcot knee

Sina Babazadeh  1 , James D Stoney, Keith Lim, Peter F M Choong
Affiliations

Arthroplasty of a Charcot knee

Sina Babazadeh et al. Orthop Rev (Pavia). .

Abstract

The Charcot knee - or neuropathic arthropathy - presents a considerable challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. Caused by a combination of sensory, motor and autonomic neuropathy, it was originally described as an arthritic sequelae of neurosyphilis. In today's western orthopaedics it is more often caused by diabetes. A Charcot knee is often symptomatically painful and unstable. Traditional management has usually been conservative or arthrodesis, with limited success. Arthroplasty of a Charcot joint has commonly been avoided at all costs. However, in the right patient, using the right technique, arthroplasty can significantly improve the symptoms of a Charcot joint. This article explores the evidence surrounding the role of arthroplasty in the management of a Charcot knee. Arthroplasty is compared to other forms of treatment and specific patient demographics and surgical techniques are explored in an attempt to define the role of arthroplasty in the management of a Charcot knee.

Keywords: Charcot joint; arthroplasty; knee; neuropathic arthropathy..

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: the authors report no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Charcot knee anteroposterior view x-ray.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Charcot knee lateral view x-ray.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Long leg standing x-rays showing significant malalignment.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Long-stem prosthesis anteroposterior view x-ray.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Long-stem prosthesis lateral view x-ray.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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