Neuropathic arthropathy in the diabetic foot.

Neuropathic arthropathy (Charcot's joint) is a relatively painless, progressive and degenerative condition due to underlying neurologic deficits. Although a variety of neurologic disorders may produce this arthropathy, diabetes mellitus has become the most common cause. In diabetes, the foot and ankle are the sites most often involved, particularly the tarsometatarsal and tarsal joints. In addition to neuropathy, trauma is an essential factor in producing the arthropathy.