您的感受¶
夏科神经性关节病(Charcot neuroarthropathy)主要影响足部感觉部分丧失的人群,最常见的原因是糖尿病。由于关节无法像正常那样感知应力,行走和站立可能会悄无声息地造成损伤。关节会出现肿胀、发热和发红,足部形状可能开始发生改变。许多人在初期几乎感觉不到疼痛,这正是该病症容易被忽视的原因之一。
当出现不适时,通常位于足中部或踝关节。这种不适往往在长时间站立或行走后加重,夜间或刚起床时可能更为严重。休息通常能缓解症状,但肿胀消退可能需要较长时间。随着足部形状的改变,日常活动变得更加困难:鞋子可能会摩擦或不再合脚,在厨房操作台前站立烹饪会变得疲惫,走到信箱或商店时可能会感到不稳。有些人足部会发展为摇椅底状(rocker-bottom shape),即足弓塌陷变平,压力点可能破裂形成足底溃疡。
您的外科医生会通过倾听您的症状并检查您的足部,将您的主观感受与客观检查结果进行比对,从而判断病情。如果您的病史描述与检查结果不一致,可能需要进一步进行CT或MRI等扫描以帮助明确病因。受累足部的骨骼也可能变薄,这增加了关节内发生微小骨折的风险。
如果您患有糖尿病,并注意到足部发热、肿胀且疼痛轻微或无痛,建议及时就医检查。早期确诊能为足部保持稳定提供最佳机会。
实际发生了什么¶
夏科神经性关节病(Charcot neuroarthropathy)发生在关节失去感觉通常提供的保护时。健康的关节在承受过载时会发出警告信号,因此您会休息、更换鞋子或减轻疼痛部位的负重。当这些信号缺失时,关节会持续承受负荷。微小损伤不断累积,骨骼开始破坏并改变形状。
关节内部似乎有两个过程在同时发生。一个是缺乏常规警告系统的磨损:因为您无法感知压力,您会继续行走在一个感觉正常的人本会休息的关节上。另一个是骨骼内部血流的变化,这可能从内部削弱骨骼。在活动期夏科足中,分解旧骨的细胞变得更加活跃,而构建新骨的细胞未能跟上。骨骼变得更薄、更弱,这就是为什么关节本身可能发生微小骨折。
最常受影响的关节位于足中部和踝关节,那里的骨骼和韧带通常将一切保持在稳定的框架中。韧带是连接骨骼与骨骼的强韧带状结构,在您行走时保持关节对齐。随着骨骼变软和韧带拉伸,该框架开始失效。足弓可能变平并塌陷成前文所述的摇椅底形状,关节可能错位。由于几乎没有或没有疼痛来警告您,损伤可能悄无声息地累积,直到足部改变形状或皮肤破损。
没有人完全理解为什么会发生这种情况,很可能不止一种机制在起作用。对您来说,重要的是实际要点:无法感知损伤的关节无法保护自己,因此您注意到的肿胀、发热和形状变化,是关节在无声中承受过载的迹象。
我们如何处理该问题¶
第一步是减轻受累关节的负重,使其停止过度负荷。我们可能会建议调整您的活动方式,并配备矫形器(orthotics),即穿在鞋内或置于鞋上的装置,用于支撑和保护足部。矫形器能对足部的日常功能产生切实的影响。理疗旨在保护已丧失预警信号的关节,同时确保您安全地保持活动。在讨论进一步方案之前,我们会充分尝试这一保守治疗方法。
镇痛药和抗炎药有助于短期内缓解不适。我们将这些药物与上述措施联合使用,而非替代上述措施。
如果这些措施未能带来足够的改善,我们可能会讨论手术。主要选择是关节融合术(arthrodesis),即将受累骨骼连接在一起,使足部或踝关节在负重时保持稳定并维持形态。一个稳定且平贴地面的足部可显著降低足底溃疡和感染复发的风险。在某些情况下,我们会使用一根从踝部向下延伸至足跟的钢棒,在骨骼愈合过程中固定骨骼位置。当需要额外支撑时,我们可以添加骨移植,即取自您自身身体的骨骼,以促进骨骼愈合。手术是共同决策的过程,我们将与您讨论该方案是否适合您的足部状况及您的治疗目标。
预期情况¶
夏科氏神经性关节病(Charcot neuroarthropathy)是一种长期性疾病。活动期足部的肿胀和发热通常在数周至数月内消退,尤其是在关节卸载后。但足部形态的改变往往会持续存在。若未接受治疗,关节会持续承受其无法感知的负荷,损伤会悄然累积,直至足部变得不稳定或皮肤破溃形成溃疡。
在良好的管理下,许多足部能保持稳定且可用。矫形器和其他非手术措施能切实改善足部的日常功能。若需手术,将受累骨骼融合在一起在大多数情况下可提供稳定的足部,且在后足重建手术中,骨骼成功融合率超过80%。总体而言,用于矫正严重畸形的手术在93%的患者中实现了稳定性。接受此类手术的大多数患者报告疼痛缓解和功能改善,并在术后多年内对结果感到满意。
诚实地说,对感觉丧失的足部进行手术具有挑战性。骨骼有时无法融合,且可能发生感染或伤口问题,尤其是在糖尿病患者、皮肤血液循环不良者或吸烟者中。仔细的患者选择至关重要,手术通常是对其他措施未能使足部稳定的情况下的挽救性选择。在少数情况下,无法保肢,转而讨论截肢。
您可以现实地预期的是:通过早期诊断、防止过度负荷以及团队诊疗,大多数足部可以保持稳定和舒适。越早发现该疾病,足部保留的形态和功能就越多。
何时就医¶
对于夏科氏神经性关节病,预警信号并非通常所见。一只发热、肿胀、发红且几乎无痛或疼痛轻微的足部才是关键信号,需及时检查,而非等待其自行缓解。若您患有糖尿病,这一点尤为重要,因为感觉丧失的足部无法像正常足部那样对损伤发出警示。如果足部溃疡久不愈合、足部形态发生改变,或您注意到足部出现新的麻木感或针刺感,请寻求专科医生评估。如果您的足部突然变得非常疼痛、严重肿胀,或皮肤破损并伴有扩散性发红,请立即前往急诊科,因为这些可能意味着需要当日处理的问题。
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Bony Anatomy¶
- The ankle mortise is formed by the tibial plafond, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus [3].
- The ankle mortise articulates with the dome of the talar body [3].
- The talar dome is wider anteriorly and narrower posteriorly [3].
- The ankle mortise widens 1 to 1.5 mm during motion from plantar flexion to dorsiflexion [3].
- Medial and superior clear spaces appear wider with the foot in plantar flexion [3].
- The distal fibula has a convex medial surface that articulates with the concave incisura fibularis of the distal lateral tibia [3].
- The fibula rotates approximately 2 degrees within the incisura during ankle motion and ambulation [3].
- Ankle dorsiflexion results in external rotation and proximal translation of the fibula [3].
- The primary functions of the foot and ankle are to provide weight-bearing support and forward ambulation [3].
Ligamentous Anatomy¶
- The lateral ankle ligaments function as restraints to varus and inversion forces at the ankle [3].
- The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) originates from the anteroinferior aspect of the lateral malleolus, 1 cm proximal to its tip, and extends to the lateral aspect of the talar neck [3].
- The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) extends from the tip of the lateral malleolus to the lateral aspect of the calcaneus [3].
- The posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) extends from the posterior lateral malleolus to the posterolateral talus [3].
- The ATFL is the weakest ankle ligament [3].
- The PTFL is the strongest ankle ligament [3].
- The distal tibiofibular joint (ankle syndesmosis) and fibula provide stability against lateral talar translation [3].
- The deltoid ligament complex is the primary ankle stabilizer during stance [3].
- The deep deltoid ligament extends from the apex of the medial malleolus to the medial talar body [3].
- The deep deltoid ligament functions primarily to resist lateral talar translation and external rotation [3].
- The posterior deep deltoid is the most important component of the deep deltoid ligament [3].
- The superficial deltoid ligament extends from the distal medial malleolus to the navicular bone, sustentaculum tali of the calcaneus, medial talus, and spring ligament [3].
- The superficial deltoid ligament functions primarily to resist valgus and eversion ankle forces [3].
- The deltoid ligament consists of superficial and deep layers, with at most six bands, of which only three are constant: the tibionavicular ligament, tibiospring ligament, and deep posterior tibiotalar ligament [8].
- The superficial layer of the deltoid ligament originates from the anterior malleolus and inserts into the navicular, neck of the talus, sustentaculum tali, and posteromedial talar tubercle [8].
- The tibiocalcaneal portion of the superficial deltoid ligament is the strongest component and resists eversion of the calcaneus [8].
- The deep portion of the deltoid ligament is organized into two short, thick, discrete bands: the anterior and posterior deep tibiotalar ligaments [8].
- The anterior and posterior deep tibiotalar ligaments are intra-articular but extrasynovial [8].
- The deep posterior band comprises the largest band of the deltoid complex [8].
- The anterior deep tibiotalar ligament arises from the anterior malleolus and attaches to the medial aspect of the talus [8].
- The posterior deep tibiotalar ligament originates from the posterior malleolus and inserts on the medial body of the talus [8].
- The deltoid ligament has a rich vascular supply from three extraosseous sources: the medial tarsal artery, posterior tibial artery, and tibialis anterior artery [8].
- The deltoid ligament also has an intraosseous vascular supply from either the talus or the medial malleolus [8].
- The deep deltoid ligament has the highest load to failure at 713.8 N ± 69.3 compared with the lateral collateral ligaments [8].
- The dominant mode of failure for the deep deltoid ligament is an intrasubstance rupture near its talar insertion [8].
- The dominant mode of failure for the superficial deltoid ligament is at its insertion on the anterior malleolus [8].
Biomechanics¶
- The ankle joint is responsible for most sagittal plane motion of the foot and ankle [3].
- Ankle plantar flexion ranges from 23 to 48 degrees [3].
- Ankle dorsiflexion ranges from 10 to 23 degrees [3].
- The ankle joint also contributes to inversion, eversion, and rotation [3].
- A simplified model of the ankle joint has a horizontal axis from anteromedial to posterolateral [3].
- A simplified model of the ankle joint has a coronal axis from superomedial directed distally and laterally to the tip of the fibula [3].
- The deltoid ligament, specifically the tibiocalcaneal ligament, primarily prohibits eversion and abduction [8].
- The deep deltoid ligament, primarily the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament, resists external rotation when the foot is dorsiflexed [8].
- The deep deltoid ligament is responsible for the greatest restraint against lateral translation [8].
- Valgus tilting of the talus within the mortise requires complete rupture of both the superficial and deep deltoid ligaments [8].
Neurovascular Anatomy¶
- The superficial peroneal nerve penetrates the deep fascia and lies subcutaneously 8 to 10 cm proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus, anterior to the subcutaneous border of the fibula shaft [6].
- The deep peroneal nerve accompanies the anterior tibial artery between the tendons of the anterior tibial and extensor digitorum longus muscles [6].
- The deep peroneal nerve lies just lateral to the anterior tibial artery and just lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon [6].
- The saphenous nerve is located just medial or posterior to the saphenous vein in a slightly deeper plane, 3 to 5 cm proximal to the tip of the medial malleolus [6].
- The anterior tibial artery can usually be palpated beneath the superior extensor retinaculum 4 to 5 cm proximal to the distal articular surface of the tibia [6].
- The peroneal tendons and superficial peroneal nerve are at the highest risk during intramedullary nailing of distal fibular fractures [11].
- An accessory incision for arthroscopic repair of the lateral ligament should not surpass 22 mm distance from the lateral malleolus in the anterior direction to avoid damaging the superficial peroneal nerve [11].
Fracture Classification¶
- The Danis–Weber Type A classification describes a transverse fracture of the fibula below the tibiofibular syndesmosis, sometimes associated with an oblique or vertical fracture of the medial malleolus [7].
- The Danis–Weber Type B classification describes an oblique fracture of the fibula in the sagittal plane at the level of the syndesmosis, often accompanied by an avulsion injury on the medial side [7].
- The Danis–Weber Type C classification describes a fracture above the level of the syndesmosis, indicating that the tibiofibular ligament and part of the interosseous membrane must have been torn [7].
- To achieve a reduced ankle, the fibula must be restored to its full length [7].
- To achieve a reduced ankle, the talus must sit squarely in the mortise with no tilt [7].
- To achieve a reduced ankle, the medial joint space must be restored to its normal width [7].
- To achieve a reduced ankle, there must be no tibiofibular diastasis [7].
Investigations¶
General Imaging Principles¶
- Advanced imaging is often helpful in diagnosis when combined with a thorough clinical examination [15].
- MRI is sensitive for all osteochondral lesions of the ankle, but the edema pattern frequently overestimates the severity of injury [12, 13].
- Linear fluid signal deep to subchondral bone on MRI indicates an unstable osteochondral injury [12, 13].
- MRI has a sensitivity of 92% for predicting stable versus unstable osteochondral lesions [12, 13].
Osteochondral Lesions¶
- Osteochondral lesions are seen in up to 70% of ankle sprains and 75% of ankle fractures [12, 13].
- The most common location for osteochondral lesions is the medial talar dome [12, 13].
- Modern data prove that the most common location for medial talar dome osteochondral lesions is central [12, 13].
- Medial talar dome osteochondral lesions are larger and deeper than lateral lesions [12, 13].
- The most common location for lateral talar dome osteochondral lesions is central [12, 13].
- Lateral talar dome osteochondral lesions are more often unstable, displaced, or symptomatic than medial lesions [12, 13].
- AP, mortise, and lateral weight-bearing ankle x-rays may not demonstrate subtle osteochondral lesions [12, 13].
- CT scan is helpful for determining the integrity of subchondral bone and identifying cysts in osteochondral lesions [12, 13].
Ankle Fractures and Syndesmosis¶
- MRI lacks additional diagnostic value for stability assessment of the ankle mortise in supination-external rotation-type ankle fractures [16].
- Preoperative computed tomography scans are used in operative planning for malleolar ankle fractures [16].
- Malreduction of the posterior malleolus is significantly more likely to lead to malreduction of the syndesmosis [16].
Ligamentous and Soft Tissue Pathology¶
- MRI is used for the evaluation of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with relevance to clinical staging [1].
- MRI is used for the evaluation of anterolateral soft tissue impingement of the ankle [1, 17].
- MRI is used for the evaluation of osteochondral lesions of the talus [1].
- MRI is used for the diagnosis of ligamentous and chondral pathology in the ankle [1].
- MRI and stress radiography are used in the evaluation of chronic lateral ankle instability [1].
- MRI is used for pre-operative evaluation of the anterior talofibular ligament in chronic ankle instability [1].
- MRI findings are associated with symptoms in patients with chronic ankle sprain [1].
- MRI is used for the imaging evaluation of traumatic ligamentous injuries of the ankle and foot [1].
- MRI is used for the musculotendinous imaging of the ankle [1].
- CT and MR imaging are used for the evaluation of the postoperative ankle and foot [1].
- MRI is used for the diagnosis of plantar plate injury with reference to intraoperative findings [1].
- MRI is compared to physical examination for the diagnosis of syndesmotic injury after lateral ankle sprain [2].
- Peroneal tendon abnormalities are identified on routine magnetic resonance imaging of the foot and ankle [14].
Entrapment Neuropathies¶
- MR imaging is used for the evaluation of entrapment neuropathies of the lower extremity, including the knee, leg, ankle, and foot [18].
- Point-of-care ultrasonography is used in the diagnosis and management of superficial peroneal nerve entrapment [18].
References¶
[1] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. REFERENCES > FOOT AND ANKLE.
[2] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. REPAIR OF ACUTE RUPTURE OF LATERAL LIGAMENTS > ACUTE ANKLE LIGAMENT INJURIES, CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY.
[3] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > BIOMECHANICS OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE.
[6] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. MULTIPLE Z-PLASTY RELEASE OF A CONGENITAL RING > ANKLE BLOCK.
[7] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. Treatment.
[8] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Ankle and Foot Injuries and Other Disorders > Ankle Sprains > Medial Ankle Injury.
[11] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Foot and Ankle Anatomy and Biomechanics > Annotated References.
[12] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS.
[13] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS.
[14] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. MULTIPLE Z-PLASTY RELEASE OF A CONGENITAL RING > PERONEAL TENDONS.
[15] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Ankle and Foot Injuries and Other Disorders > Summary.
[16] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Trauma. Ankle Fractures > Annotated References.
[17] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ARTHROSCOPIC EXAMINATION AND DEBRIDEMENT OF THE ANKLE JOINT > IMPINGEMENT.
[18] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. COMBINED HAMMER TOE AND MALLET TOE DEFORMITY WITH ASSOCIATED DOUBLE CORNS > REFERENCES > TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.
