Neuropathic Arthropathy (Charcot Joint)

 NEUROPATHIC ARTHROPATHY (CHARCOT JOINT) 

Charcot joint refers to joint damage secondary to impaired joint innervation (neu-ropathy), leading to an inability to sense pain. The damage also leads to destruction of joint surfaces, debris in joints, deformity, and dislocations.

 

Different underlying neurologic diseases tend to affect different joints.

 

•         Diabetes mellitus (most common cause) tends to damage the tarsometatarsal joint in the midfoot.

 

•         Syringomyelia (cavity in spinal cord) tends to damage the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints.

 

•         Tabes dorsalis (neurosyphilis) tends to damage the hip, knee, and ankle joints