[Osteoarthrosis due to syringomyelia and its misinterpretation (author's transl)]

The development of severe deforming osteoarthrosis due to syringomyelia was observed over a period of 25 years; the changes are illustrated by a series of radiographs. A striking feature of this case, as in others, was the relative lack of symptoms complained of by the patient, when compared with the extensive joint destruction. It is necessary, if there is destruction of the shoulder, elbow or carpal joints, to consider a neuropathic cause and to take a very careful history, which unfortunately was not always done in our patients. Comparative radiographs of the opposite side should always be obtained.