Diabetic neuro-osteoarthropathy. Rehabilitation of a patient with both ankle joints involved and associated skin...

Neuro-osteoarthropathy in diabetes mellitus is not rare. The case of a 53-year-old diabetic with involvement of both ankle joints and multiple associated skin problems complicating rehabilitation management is discussed. By applying a team approach, closely monitoring the patient's skin and joint problems, and treating them at an early stage by adaptive shoes and orthoses, we found that function could be sustained at an optimal level for a prolonged period. In addition to prevention of ulceration, modifying the weight bearing or temporarily non-weight bearing is the treatment of choice. Amputation is to be considered only as a last resort.