A diabetic patient with Charcot neuroarthropathy undergoes serial imaging. In the first phase there is acute inflammation with erythema, warmth and oedema but normal radiographs. Later radiographs show fragmentation and joint dislocation, followed by coalescence of debris, and finally remodelling with sclerosis and fusion of fragments. This sequence corresponds to which classification?

• A Eichenholtz classification ✓
• B Wagner classification
• C University of Texas classification
• D Brodsky anatomic classification

Explanation

Eichenholtz described three radiographic stages of Charcot neuroarthropathy: stage 0 (added later) with clinical inflammation and normal films, stage 1 development with fragmentation and debris, stage 2 coalescence with absorption of debris and sclerosis, and stage 3 consolidation with remodelling. Wagner and University of Texas systems grade ulcer depth and infection, not Charcot evolution. The Brodsky system classifies Charcot by anatomic location, such as midfoot versus hindfoot, not by temporal phase.

Reference: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.