Limited joint mobility and plantar fascia function in Charcot's neuroarthropathy.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of limited joint mobility at the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) and dysfunction of the plantar fascia in people with diabetes mellitus and Charcot's neuroarthropathy and a control group.


METHODS
Fifteen subjects with a history of mid-foot Charcot's neuroarthropathy and 26 controls with sensory neuropathy but no Charcot's neuro arthropathy were recruited. Ranges of ankle and first MPJ dorsiflexion were measured for each participant. Plantar fascia function was assessed using Jack's test.


RESULTS
The range of dorsiflexion at the first MPJ was significantly reduced in the subject group compared with the control group (51.2 vs. 64.8; P < 0.001). Jack's test demonstrated the plantar fascia to be ruptured or dysfunctional in all feet in the subject group and to be functioning in all feet in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
It is not possible to determine from this study if the limited joint mobility at the first MPJ and dysfunction of the plantar fascia preceded or followed the development of Charcot's neuroarthropathy; however, these results are a previously unreported finding in Charcot's neuroarthropathy. Diabet. Med. 18, 558-561 (2001)
Chuter
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Department of Podiatry, School of Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia.
Payne
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C
D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000503:physiopathology; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values