Dane K. Wukich MD is the Dr. Charles F. Gregory Distinguished Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Wukich is author of 150 peer reviewed articles and has given hundreds of presentations across the world. He is the recipient of Roger Pecoraro Award from The American Diabetes Association, The Medstar Georgetown Distinguished Achievement Award in Diabetic Limb Salvage and the Dr. Paul Brand Lectureship from Desert Foot.

Charcot neuroarthropathy: is it time for a paradigm shift in thinking?

Our understanding of Charcot neuroarthropathy has evolved over the past several decades, both from a technical standpoint as well as from a pathophysiological perspective. Fractures, dislocations and fracture dislocations in neuropathic patients with diabetes often leads to deformity which compromise plantar soft tissue. Non plantigrade deformities can result in foot ulcers which can in turn lead to infection and major amputation. These patients have reduced quality of life which impacts both physical and mental health related quality of life. Early recognition and intervention has the potential to reduce deformity, ulceration, infection and amputation.