Charcot's Elbow Following Syringomyelia: Revisited

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurology

Background:

• Neuropathic arthropathy of the elbow (Charcot's elbow) is rare, affecting 3-8% of patients.
• Limited understanding exists regarding its natural history, pathogenesis, and management.

Observation:

• Two cases of Charcot's elbow secondary to syringomyelia with ulnar nerve involvement are presented.
• One patient underwent debulking synovectomy and ulnar nerve decompression.
• The second patient was managed conservatively.

Findings:

• This case series highlights varied management approaches for Charcot's elbow.
• Successful outcomes were achieved with both surgical and conservative interventions.

Implications:

• Further research is needed to establish clear management guidelines for Charcot's elbow.
• These cases contribute to the limited body of knowledge on this rare condition.