Infection and neuroarthropathy: the utility of C-reactive protein as a screening tool in the Charcot foot.

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein is an acute-phase reactant used for the detection of inflammatory changes associated with infection and tissue necrosis. It may be helpful in determining the presence or absence of infection associated with Charcot's neuroarthropathy.

METHODS

In this study, C-reactive protein concentration was measured in seven patients with clinical features suggestive of an active Charcot joint. The patients were then followed up clinically and radiographically to determine whether infection was present.

RESULTS

In all seven patients, the C-reactive protein level was not suggestive of infection, and none of the patients progressed to a diagnosis of infection.

CONCLUSION

C-reactive protein may be useful as a screening test for the presence or absence of infection in patients with active neuroarthropathic osteolysis.