We are approaching one and a half centuries since neuropathic arthropathy was formally (and appropriately) given the name “Charcot’s arthropathy.” In this compendium, we visit and revisit both the man and the malady, for both are worthy of our study and respect. It is my great pleasure, privilege, and honor to have been invited to serve as guest editor of this special issue of JAPMA.
In this issue, I am pleased to present contributions from a number of the world’s preeminent authorities in this field. Lee J. Sanders, undoubtedly the most esteemed medical historian on the subject of Charcot’s arthropathy, invites us to join him on a fascinating exploration of the life and work of Professor Jean-Martin Charcot. Edward B. Jude of Tameside General Hospital and Andrew J. M. Boulton of the renowned Manchester Royal Infirmary in England discuss the assessment and medical treatment of Charcot’s arthropathy and their extensive experience with bisphosphonates as a potentially useful adjunct in its care. Vanessa L. Nubé and coworkers from Dennis K. Yue’s active research unit at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia describe the critically important process of monitoring the progress of Charcot’s arthropathy from its acute to its chronic state. Finally, Edgar J. G. Peters and I review the pertinent literature associated with the diagnosis and treatment of Charcot’s arthropathy.
Following these contributions, we include several clinical illustrations regarding debridement, off-loading, and the concomitant use of advanced wound-healing modalities in the diabetic foot.
The most important participant in this issue, however, is you, the clinician and practitioner. I invite you to sit back and enjoy this special issue. It is my sincere hope that any knowledge that you glean from this compilation will ultimately serve to improve patient care and reduce the disproportionately high prevalence of lower-extremity amputation secondary to this most debilitating of disorders.
