Current concepts underlying the pathophysiology of acute Charcot neuroarthropathy in the diabetic foot and ankle

Abstract

Introduction: With a complex and often misunderstood etiology, acute Charcot neuroarthropathy (ACN) is a devastating complication of peripheral neuropathy. In patients with diabetes, timely diagnosis of ACN in the foot and ankle is essential to prevent loss of both limb and life.

Areas covered: Herein, the authors evaluate the growing body of evidence in identifying targeted pathways for future therapeutic interventions. A literature search was conducted through the PubMed research database. Searched terms included 'Charcot,' 'foot and ankle,' 'neuroarthropathy,' 'pathophysiology,' 'arthropathy,' 'diabetic foot,' and 'Charcot foot.'

Expert opinion: The interplay between the acute inflammatory response, cytokine signaling, and bone metabolism equilibrium can now be better understood with the aid of several novel immunobiologic mechanisms. The more recently elucidated roles of advanced glycation end-products, neuropeptides, monocyte differentiation, and genomics combine with classical Charcot pathophysiology to aid researchers and clinicians alike in combatting this often puzzling consequence of peripheral neuropathy.

Keywords: Ankle; acute Charcot; diabetic arthropathy; diabetic foot; inflammation; neuroarthropathy.