Aim:

; This study aims to analyze the actual circumstances in which Charcot foot occurs and how it is managed in Belgium. Emphasis was placed on epidemiological data and data about the management.

; Method:

; Thirty-four diabetic foot clinics sampled the first 52 patients presenting with diabetic foot problems, resulting in a total of 1782 cases in 2014. 62 cases were registered as acute Charcot foot and followed up to a maximum of seven months in terms of treatment and outcome. Data were collected in the context of the IQED-Foot study. The data were stratified in 2 different ways, after which analysis was performed.

; Results:

; The prevalence of an ulcer at first visit was significantly higher in case deformation was present (58% vs. 18%, P<0.05). The occurrence of new wounds at the fulcrum of the deformity during follow-up was significantly higher in the group with wounds at first visit (56% vs. 11%, P<0.05). Considering treatment, the use of immobilization of the foot was significantly higher in the group of patients without wounds at the first visit (100% vs. 85%, P<0.05).

; Conclusion:

; The prevalence of acute Charcot foot in a population of patients with diabetic foot problems was 3.5%, which is similar to the incidence (0.1% to 8%) reported in the literature. The presence of wounds and deformation proved to be significantly and positively associated at time of the first visit. Furthermore, new wounds preferentially occurred at the fulcrum of the deformity of the acute Charcot foot.