[Diabetic osteoarthropathy: problems and complications in foot surgery].

Charcot neuroarthropathy is one of the most serious manifestations of the diabetic foot syndrome and the multifaceted disease pattern requires interdisciplinary cooperation. Problems may arise even if the diagnosis is made early and lack of pain may mislead to the assumption of an infectious or traumatic event. With respect to operative therapy the characteristics of polyneuropathy and altered bone metabolism have to be taken into account. Rehabilitation, in particular, differs from the guidelines for trauma patients. In the face of high complication risks substantial improvement of function must be the goal for operative treatment.