A review of bone metabolism and developments in medical treatment of the diabetic Charcot foot

Abstract

Charcot foot is a rare but severe, and possibly limb-threatening, complication to neuropathy and diabetes mellitus. The current treatment consists of long-term off-loading, and has a large negative impact on the patient's life. Much research has gone into understanding the condition and its biochemical mechanisms, however, the underlying pathogenesis of a Charcot foot is not yet fully understood. In the recent decades several key advances in our understanding of the Charcot foot have been made, both in regards to the changes in bone metabolism and structure an acute Charcot foot can cause, and to the molecular pathways involved in this. This review summerizes the available research into the bone metabolism around a Charcot foot, with an emphasis on the biochemical profile. The existing data regarding attempts at medical treatment is also reviewed, including novel trials targetting specific inflammatory pathways upregulated in the acute diabetic Charcot foot.

Keywords: Charcot foot; Diabetic neuropathy; bone metabolism; medical treatment; review.