“ THE D’S OF A NEUROPATHIC (CHARCOT) JOINT D estruction of the articular cartilage D egeneration (joint space loss) D ebris (loose bodies)...
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THE D’S OF A NEUROPATHIC (CHARCOT) JOINT
- Destruction of the articular cartilage
- Degeneration (joint space loss)
- Debris (loose bodies)
- Dislocation
- Distension of the joint (i.e. effusion)
- Density of bone normal for the patient
This is a destructive joint process arising from nerve damage, most commonly secondary to diabetes. The involvement of particular joints may indicate the underlying aetiology.
- Ankle/foot—diabetes
- Shoulder—syringomyelia
- Spine—spinal cord injury
- nee—diabetes/syphilis
PLAIN FILM
• The D’s.
• The presence of loose bodies and subchondral cysts favours a neuropathic joint over septic arthritis.
MRI
• Subchondral enhancement following gadolinium
• Non-specific bone marrow oedema
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