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Charcot Arthropathy of the Digit: A Report of 2 Cases
Matthew D Rich1, Christina M Ward2
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Regions Hospital, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Insights
Charcot arthropathy (CA) affecting finger joints is rare. This study reports two successful splinting treatments for interphalangeal joint CA, highlighting effective management for this unusual presentation.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Podiatry
Background:
- Charcot arthropathy (CA) typically affects lower extremity joints.
- Digital joint involvement in CA is exceptionally rare, with limited case reports.
- Understanding CA in non-weight-bearing joints is crucial for diagnosis.
Observation:
- Two distinct cases of interphalangeal joint Charcot arthropathy are presented.
- Case 1: A 73-year-old man with distal interphalangeal joint CA in the long finger, associated with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Case 2: A 71-year-old woman with proximal interphalangeal joint CA in the ring finger, linked to diabetic neuropathy.
Findings:
- Both patients with digital Charcot arthropathy received conservative treatment with splinting.
- Splinting resulted in symptom resolution for both cases.
- No wound complications were observed following treatment.
Implications:
- Conservative management, specifically splinting, can be effective for digit Charcot arthropathy.
- These cases expand the understanding of CA presentation and treatment in unusual locations.
- Further research into risk factors and optimal management for digital CA is warranted.
Case:
Charcot arthropathy (CA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease typically affecting lower extremity weight-bearing joints, with only a few cases reported in the fingers. We present 2 cases of interphalangeal joint CA: the long finger distal interphalangeal joint in a 73-year-old man with severe carpal tunnel syndrome and the ring finger proximal interphalangeal joint of a 71-year-old woman with diabetic neuropathy.
Conclusion:
Two cases of CA of the digits were treated with splinting with resolution of symptoms and no wound complications.
