Radiographic abnormalities in the feet of patients with diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of radiographic bone and joint abnormalities in the feet of diabetic patients.

Research design and methods: In a blinded randomized study, 94 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy (54 with a history of foot ulcers) and 43 non-neuropathic patients were drawn at random from the data base of a large university diabetes clinic in the United Kingdom. Fifty nondiabetic age-matched control subjects also were studied. Lateral and dorsi-plantar weight-bearing plain radiographs of the foot and ankle were taken by a single radiographer. Abnormalities in the bones and joints were determined according to a structured reading of the radiographs by a single radiologist.

Results: Diabetes per se resulted in no excess of bony abnormality. Diabetic patients with neuropathy had significantly more radiographic abnormalities of the bones and joints than non-neuropathic and age-matched nondiabetic control subjects. However, except for periosteal reaction, this was predominantly caused by an excess of abnormalities in diabetic patients with a history of foot ulceration. Traumatic fractures (most previously unrecognized) were found in 12 (22%) of the 54 neuropathic patients with previous foot ulceration, and 9 (16%) patients who had experienced foot ulcers exhibited characteristic Charcot changes.

Conclusions: These results suggest that bony abnormalities, particularly Charcot changes and traumatic fractures, are more frequent than previously recognized in neuropathic diabetic patients, especially in those with a history of foot ulceration. Early recognition of bony abnormality and appropriate treatment may prevent progression of foot deformity and thereby reduce the morbidity caused by ulceration or reulceration.