Surgically induced Charcot neuroarthropathy following partial forefoot amputation in diabetes

Pedal amputation is often necessary to save a limb in patients with diabetes who have an infection, peripheral vascular disease and/or non-healing foot ulcers. While there is scant literature on iatrogenic Charcot neuroarthropathy after pedal amputation, it has been reported that trauma can precipitate it. The literature supports the notion that plantar pressures and foot function may be altered after pedal amputation, making the remaining foot susceptible to mechanical trauma. It is debatable whether the Charcot event is caused by the trauma of surgery or the trauma that ensues postoperatively as a result of the altered foot function.