Charcot arthropathy outcomes after early referral to a regional tertiary care foot clinic.

Background: Community physicians may not encounter Charcot arthropathy frequently, and its symptoms and signs may be nonspecific. Patients often have a delay of several months before receiving a formal diagnosis and referral for specialty care. However, limited Canadian data are available.

Effect of a preventive foot care program on lower extremity complications in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease.

Background: Lower extremity complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and diabetes mellitus. Patient education programs may decrease the risk of diabetic foot complications.

Methods: A preventive program was instituted, consisting of regular assessments by a foot care nurse with expertise in foot care and wound management and patient education about foot care practices and footwear selection.

Upper extremity complications in patients with chronic renal failure receiving haemodialysis.

Limited data are available about disability associated with upper extremity complications in patients who receive haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease. In this study of 123 patients receiving haemodialysis, the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 31 ± 22 points, indicating markedly greater disability than in a normal population. Dupuytren's contracture was the most frequent deformity.