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Medial navicular subluxation indicates Charcot neuroarthropathy on radiograph
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SAN DIEGO – Medial navicular subluxation is a radiographic indicator of Charcot neuroarthropathy, according to a researcher at the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Annual Meeting, here.
“This finding on radiograph has been noted anecdotally by our senior author on multiple occasions, especially early in the constructive process,” Allyson Estess, MD, said. “We believe that the midfoot undergoes a destructive process in the construction of the ligament.”
 Allyson Estess |
Besides assessing whether medial navicular subluxation is a radiographic indicator of Charcot, Estess and the investigators wanted to see if their findings could assist in the management of Charcot neuroarthropathy. They conducted a retrospective radiographic review of patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy pinpointed by clinical diagnosis codes between 2004 and 2011.
There were 40 patients (50 feet) in the Charcot group, with an average age of 58 years. The control group consisted of 42 individuals (50 feet) with an average age of 58 years. The researchers assessed anterior posterior weight-bearing radiographs for talonavicular coverage angle and talonavicular uncoverage percentage.
The average measurements between the groups for talonavicular coverage angle and talonavicular uncoverage percentage were statistically significantly different, Estess reported.
“We believe medial navicular subluxation is more common in patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy compared to a control population,” she said.
Reference:
Estess A, Charlton TP, Thordarson DB. Medial navicular subluxation as a radiographic indicator of Charcot neuroarthropathy. Presented at the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society 2012 Annual Meeting. June 21-23. San Diego.
Disclosure: Estess has no relevant financial disclosures.