Avascular necrosis not Charcot's

Background A case of avascular necrosis (AN) of the navicular bone, in a 24‐year‐old woman with Type 1 diabetes with peripheral neuropathy, in the absence of any history of direct trauma is presented. The clinical and radiological features at presentation suggested an evolving Charcot arthropathy (CA), but subsequent serial X‐rays clearly confirmed AN. Conclusions Swelling and foot deformity in association with long‐standing diabetic peripheral neuropathy is suggestive of CA, although AN, a less common condition, may show the same clinical features. It is therefore important to undertake further confirmatory radiological investigations if there is any doubt about the diagnosis. Diabet. Med. 18, 846–848 (2001)