[Metatarsophalangeal lesions of the diabetic foot. Radiologic outcome]

Radiological evidence of progression of diabetic foot lesions was studied in 31 patients. Three types of progression could be distinguished: lesions became worse (16 cases), improved (8 cases), or fluctuated in extent (6 cases). Mechanisms of production of the lesions and their prognostic significance are analyzed. Progression of the lesion is usually the result of infection. Reconstructive therapy requires evidence of a satisfactory vascular integrity in patients with associated arterial and neurological disorders. A fluctuating course is a typical finding in diabetic osteoarthropathy.