Limb Threatening Neuropathic Complications From Ankle Fractures in Patients With Diabetes

Abstract

Although less common than neuropathic (Charcot) deformities in feet, ankle deformities can occur and produce significant limb threatening complications after injury in patients with longstanding diabetes. A series of six such complications, including one that resulted in amputation and several near amputations, are presented. The authors' primary purpose is to alert or remind physicians and orthopaedic surgeons of the often unanticipated but significant complications of these rare and seemingly mild ankle injuries. A secondary purpose is to point out that complications may be avoided or mitigated with early stabilization and possibly with treatment of bone resorbing, inflammatory processes characteristic of neuroarthropathies.