Pathophysiology of Diabetes and Charcot Neuroarthropathy

This chapter serves as a primer on the pathophysiology of both diabetes mellitus and Charcot arthropathy for the orthopedic surgeon. In regards to diabetes we will focus on the pathophysiology as it pertains to musculoskeletal manifestations of the disease process. The pathophysiology that underlies the development of diabetes is beyond the scope of this chapter. We will discuss both the historic theories of pathogenesis and identify modern theories and advancements in the understanding of Charcot arthropathy, a progressive disease that leads to degeneration of joints, especially to those of the foot and ankle.