Diagnostic delays in diabetic Charcot arthropathy

Charcot Arthropathy in the diabetic foot can result in permanent deformity if not diagnosed and treated promptly. We report four diabetic patients in whom the diagnosis of neuropathy was delayed by up to six months, with misdiagnoses including deep venous thrombosis, cellulitis, gout and ankle sprain. In all cases, the clinical scenario and appearances were typical of charcot arthropathy. Fortunately, only minor deformity occurred in one patient. A higher index of suspicion for the possibility of charcot foot is needed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.