Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What condition is characterized by the breakdown of foot and ankle bones resulting in loss of normal architecture?

1. Hallux valgus

2. Charcot's arthropathy

3. Hammer toes

4. Fissures

The correct answer is: Charcot's arthropathy

The condition characterized by the breakdown of foot and ankle bones resulting in a loss of normal architecture is Charcot's arthropathy. This condition is often associated with neuropathy, commonly seen in patients with diabetes, leading to abnormal stress on the joints and bones due to a lack of protective sensation. As a result, this excessive stress can lead to a progressive degenerative process, causing the breakdown and deformity of the bones and joints in the affected areas. In Charcot's arthropathy, the normal structure of the foot can become severely altered, leading to misalignment and instability. This can result in significant pain, mobility issues, and can predispose the individual to further complications, including ulcerations or infections. This progressive nature and its association with underlying neuropathy distinguish it from other conditions affecting the feet. Hallux valgus, hammer toes, and fissures, while common foot conditions, do not primarily involve the breakdown of bone architecture in the same way that Charcot's arthropathy does. Hallux valgus refers to the lateral deviation of the big toe, hammer toes involve flexion deformities at the proximal interphalangeal joints, and fissures are cracks or splits in the skin, typically due to dryness or trauma