Orthonotes
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Charcot Arthropathy — Neuroarthropathy

Neuropathic osteoarthropathy due to sensory/autonomic neuropathy—diabetes most common cause. Eichenholtz stages: I (fragmentation), II (coalescence), III (remodeling). Sanders–Frykberg anatomic patterns for foot involvement. Clinical hallmark: warm, swollen, relatively painless foot; plantar midfoot ulcer risk if rocker‑bottom deformity develops. Imaging: X‑ray shows fragmentation/subluxation; MRI for early marrow edema and to exclude osteomyelitis; consider WBC scan if infection uncertain. Treatment: total contact casting/off‑loading early, custom bracing; surgery (arthrodesis, exostectomy) for unstable deformity or recurrent ulcer.

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Neuropathic osteoarthropathy due to sensory/autonomic neuropathy—diabetes most common cause. Eichenholtz stages: I (fragmentation), II (coalescence), III (remodeling). Sanders–Frykberg anatomic patterns for foot involvement. Clinical hallmark: warm, swollen, relatively painless foot; plantar midfoot ulcer risk if rocker‑bottom deformity develops. Imaging: X‑ray shows fragmentation/subluxation; MRI for early marrow edema and to exclude osteomyelitis; consider WBC scan if infection uncertain. Treatment: total contact casting/off‑loading early, custom bracing; surgery (arthrodesis, exostectomy) for unstable deformity or recurrent ulcer.
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