IP Requirements:

• Grady IP

Experience Requirements:

• Software design

Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy is a destructive joint disorder initiated by trauma to a neuropathic extremity. It can lead to dislocations and fractures of the foot. Correct diagnosis and treatment of acute Charcot are imperative to decrease permanent foot deformity and allow for a stable and plantigrade foot that is suitable for ambulation. Diabetes, neuropathy, trauma, and metabolic abnormalities of the bone result in an acute localized inflammatory condition leading to the development of Charcot joint, but diabetic neuropathy has become the most common etiology for this condition. Once it developed, it can permanently disrupt the bony architecture of the foot resulting in abnormal plantar pressures that are at risk for ulceration, osteomyelitis, and amputation. It has been reported that Charcot affects between 0.1% to 0.9% of people with diabetes, where 63% of them will develop a foot ulceration. This condition is usually missed to diagnosis in many primary care and diabetes clinics and usually presents in later stages leading to more disability and complications.

Currently, there are no technological solutions to screen and monitor the development or the progression of this condition. We propose a medical device solution which consists of an advanced camera equipped with multiple lenses (visual and thermalMedical practices could implement this technology at each patient’s visit longitudinally to monitor the progress or the development of this condition. The goal of the device will be to assist in the calculation of a score based on metrics collected. This may be combined with other clinical factors to develop a prediction score that may include: A1c levels, the presence of diabetes and its complications (nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy. Etc), previous ulcerations, previous pre-ulcerous lesions).

This technology has significant potential and there are several novel uses of this technology that go beyond diabetes clinics. This could be impellent in neurology, primary care, and sport medicine clinics where this condition is seen more frequently.

This technology can become a platform for non-invasive, point-of-care, foot health monitoring systems and decrease the burden on podiatrists. It will also decrease the number of disability cases by decreasing amputations rate in diabetes and other conditions.