Comparing two methods for treating Charcot neuroarthropathy in diabetic patients

Contact Cast Versus Posterior Slab as Offloading Modality for Charcot Neuroarthropathy of Foot in Diabetes (OFFLOAD Study): A Multicentric, Non-inferiority Study

Not applicable Interventional Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh · NCT06573554

This study is testing which of two treatments, a total contact cast or a posterior slab, works better to help diabetic patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy heal their feet.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPost Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chandigarh)
Trial IDNCT06573554 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two offloading treatments for Charcot neuroarthropathy in diabetic patients: a total contact cast (TCC) and a posterior slab. Patients with active Charcot neuroarthropathy will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments, which aim to immobilize and relieve pressure on the affected foot to promote healing. The primary outcome is the rate of remission within six months, while secondary outcomes include quality of life and overall foot health over a year. The study will utilize statistical analysis to compare the effectiveness of both interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with type 2 diabetes and unilateral active Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Not a fit: Patients with foot ulcers, severe kidney issues, or other specified exclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide improved treatment options for diabetic patients suffering from Charcot neuroarthropathy.

How similar studies have performed: While the treatment of Charcot neuroarthropathy has been explored, this specific comparison of TCC and posterior slab is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
* Unilateral pedal swelling
* Active Charcot Neuroarthropathy
* Age: 18 years and above.
* Ability to Provide Consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* presence of pedal ulcer,
* osteoporosis (T score \<-2.5 at lumbar spine or hip),
* gout,
* active peptic ulcer disease,
* steroid intake in the last three months,
* estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<30 ml/min/m2,
* active dental caries or invasive dental procedure,
* peripheral vascular disease (ABI \< 0.7),
* bilateral foot involvement,
* pregnant/ lactating women and
* those who had recently received antiresorptive agents (in the previous 12 months).
* Negative consent

Where this trial is running

Chandigarh

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Charcot NeuroarthropathyTotal Contact CastDiabetic FootPosterior SlabVibration Perception ThresholdPeripheral NeuropathyDiabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.