Idiopathic Charcot-like Arthropathy: A case report

ABSTRACT

The causes of Charcot joint gradually has grown since Charcot's original description of syphilitic neuropathic joint disease in 1868. Recently, diabetic mellitus is the commonest condition associated with neuropathic bone and joint disease. But trauma can precipitate the development of the typical neuropathic Charcot joint. It has been suggested that the altered mechanics of walking throws an abnormal stress on the sensory deprived joint so that arthropathy develops. This paper is reporting a case of developed idiopathic Charcot-like arthropathy in both knee and elbow joints. Intra-articular steroid injection and repeated trauma caused the patient to develop idiopathic Charcot-like arthropathy. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that early recognition and conservative treatment may alter the course of certain neuropathic joints.