Use of computed tomography to identify muscle quality subgroups, spatial mapping, and preliminary relationships to function in those with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Background: Decreased muscle volume and increased muscle-associated adipose tissue (MAAT, sum of intra and inter-muscular adipose tissue) of the foot intrinsic muscle compartment are associated with deformity, decreased function, and increased risk of ulceration and amputation in those with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Research Question: What is the muscle quality (normal, abnormal muscle, and adipose volumes) of the DPN foot intrinsic compartment, how does it change over time, and is muscle quality related to gait and foot function?

Methods: Computed tomography was performed on the intrinsic foot muscle compartment of 45 subjects with DPN (mean age: 67.2 ± 6.