Diabetic Foot & Charcot Arthropathy MCQs | Ortho Board Review

Question 1

A 55-year-old male with a 15-year history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus presents for a routine foot examination. The physician uses a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament to assess for loss of protective sensation. Which of the following spe

Accepted Answer

5.07 monofilament (10 grams of force)

Question 2

A 62-year-old female with long-standing diabetes mellitus presents with a swollen, warm, and erythematous right foot. Radiographs show early fragmentation of the tarsometatarsal joints. The neurovascular theory of Charcot arthropathy pathogenesis sug

Accepted Answer

Autonomic neuropathy leading to increased blood flow and active bone resorption

Question 3

A 58-year-old male with diabetic neuropathy presents with a deformed, painless left foot. He states the foot was swollen and red several months ago but has since cooled down. Current radiographs demonstrate sclerosis, fusion of fragments, and remodel

Accepted Answer

Stage 3; custom orthotic shoe wear or accommodative bracing

Question 4

A 60-year-old diabetic patient presents with a red, hot, swollen foot and a plantar ulcer under the first metatarsal head. Radiographs show osteopenia and periosteal reaction. Which of the following MRI findings is most specific for differentiating o

Accepted Answer

Replacement of marrow fat with fluid signal on T1-weighted images extending away from the joint

Question 5

A 55-year-old male with diabetic neuropathy develops a recurrent plantar ulcer under the third metatarsal head despite appropriate offloading with custom orthotics. Physical examination reveals a rigid equinus contracture with inability to dorsiflex

Accepted Answer

Tendo-Achilles lengthening

Question 6

A 50-year-old female with diabetes mellitus and loss of protective sensation presents with a non-infected, non-ischemic plantar ulcer under the first metatarsal head. The physician recommends a total contact cast (TCC). What is the primary biomechani

Accepted Answer

It immobilizes the ankle to prevent the windlass mechanism and reduces plantar pressures by increasing the weight-bearing surface area.

Question 7

A 65-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes presents with a deep ulcer on the plantar aspect of his right heel. During the clinical examination, a sterile blunt probe is introduced into the ulcer and easily palpates hard, gritty bone at the ba

Accepted Answer

It has a high positive predictive value for osteomyelitis in the setting of an infected diabetic foot ulcer.

Question 8

A 59-year-old female with a history of Charcot arthropathy presents with a stable, rigid rocker-bottom deformity of her left foot. She has a recurrent ulcer on the plantar aspect of the midfoot over a bony prominence, despite compliant use of a CROW

Accepted Answer

Exostectomy of the bony prominence

Question 9

A 68-year-old male with diabetes presents with a foot ulcer. Examination reveals a deep ulcer penetrating to the joint capsule, but there is no evidence of abscess, osteomyelitis, or gangrene. According to the Wagner classification system for diabeti

Accepted Answer

Grade 2

Question 10

A 54-year-old male with a 20-year history of diabetes mellitus is diagnosed with Charcot arthropathy. Which of the following anatomic locations is most frequently affected by Charcot arthropathy in diabetic patients?

Accepted Answer

Midfoot (tarsometatarsal / Lisfranc joint)

AAOS & ABOS Foot & Ankle Board Review MCQs (Set 2): Ankle Fractures, Lisfranc, Diabetic Foot

Diabetic Foot & Charcot Arthropathy MCQs | Ortho Board Review