[Undiagnosed fractures of all metatarsals in a diabetic woman]

In the case presented here we demonstrate the history of a 31-year old woman who had been known to be diabetic for more than 10 years. In the beginning she complained of an isolated fracture of the first metatarsal bone. Because of incomplete immobilisation, but without major trauma, fracture of the metatarsal I-V developed. On an outpatient basis diagnosis was delayed for 6 months because of a misinterpreted scintigraphy without performing x-ray examination. In our clinic treatment consisted of immobilisation in a cast and non-weightbearing. The update knowledge diabetic osteopathy and osteoarthropathy and the consequences for treatment are discussed.