CT and MRI of spinal neuroarthropathy

The objective of this article is to describe the different stages of spinal neuroarthropathy as assessed by CT and MRI and to discuss their contribution to the management of affected patients.

Early-stage findings consisted of inflammatory changes involving adjacent vertebral endplates and mimicking degenerative disk disease with inflammation. Subsequently, progression of the lesions led to complete destruction of the intervertebral joint. Knowledge of the initial features of spinal neuroarthropathy may allow earlier treatment, which may improve outcomes.