Critical limb ischemia in association with Charcot neuroarthropathy: complex endovascular therapy for limb salvage.Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2014 Feb; 37(1):257-61.CI
Charcot neuroarthropathy is a low-incidence complication of diabetic foot and is associated with ankle and hind foot deformity. Patients who have not developed deep ulcers are managed with offloading and supportive bracing or orthopedic arthrodesis. In patients who have developed ulcers and severe ankle instability and deformity, below-the-knee amputation is often indicated, especially when deformity and cutaneous involvement result in osteomyelitis. Ischemic association has not been described but can be present as a part of peripheral arterial disease in the diabetic population. In this extreme and advanced stage of combined neuroischemic diabetic foot disease, revascularization strategies can support surgical and orthopedic therapy, thus preventing osteomyelitis and leading to limb and foot salvage.