Charcot joint

Pathology

  1. Progressive destruction of a joint due to disturbed sensory innervation of the joint
    • Peripheral: DM neuropathy, peripheral nerve injury, leprosy
    • Central: syringomyelia, tabes dorsalis
  2. Result is painless deformed joint resulting from repeated minor trauma

 

Approach

  • Expose joint adequately
  1. Look
    • Swelling of affected joint
    • Contours of skin
  2. Feel
    • Non-tende
    • Crepitus
    • Subluxation / dislocation of joint
  3. Move
    • Hypermobility

Completion

  1. Perform neurological examination
  2. Dip urine (for glucose DM)