Bone Research Group

Charcot Neuroarthropathy

Collaborators: Dr Kenneth MacLeod, Dr Mollie Donohoe, Dr Richard Seymour and Professor Angela Shore.

Charcot neuroarthropathy occurs in a small percentage of neuropathic diabetics and caused destruction of a joint or joints usually in the lower limb.  It is difficult to treat and sometimes results in amputation.  The reasons as to why it occurs are unknown and therefore this study is an investigation into the potential clinical risk factors for Charcot neuroarthropathy in type 1 and type 2 diabetics.  This is a cross-sectional pilot study looking at a range of diabetic groups with and without Charcot neuroarthropathy funded by the Royal College of Radiologists, with MRI time from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry and Physics.  This study is part of the South West Peninsula Diabetes Resarch Networl (DRN).  The study is using DXA scans to investigate the bone mineral density, MRI scans to investigate anatomical changes, blood samples to investigate biochemical markers of bone turnover, PTH, Vitamin D, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and questionnaires to investigate risk factors for osteoporosis and falls history.  It is envisaged that the results from this research will lead to further grant applications for multi-centre extensions to this research.