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Charcot's Arthropathy of the Wrist: A Case Report
V Ravi Kiran1, Udit K Jayant1, M L V Sai Krishna2
1Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India.
Introduction:
Charcot arthropathy is a myriad of osseous degenerative changes that can affect theoretically any joint of the body. The pathophysiology of this condition is based on microtrauma, leading to the deterioration of articular nerves. The most common cause in the upper extremity is syringomyelia.
Case Report:
A 64-year-old male patient presented with painless right wrist swelling and deformity. His radiographs showed degenerative changes in radiocarpal and intercarpal joints. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical spine demonstrated Type II Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, and neurological evaluation revealed myelopathy.
Conclusion:
Charcot arthropathy of the wrist, an exceedingly rare condition, is a diagnosis of exclusion. The common causes of arthritis of the wrist such as Rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis must be ruled out. When a patient presents with wrist Charcot arthropathy thorough neurological examination must be done. Diabetes mellitus, tabes dorsalis, and leprosy are the other frequently cited causes that must be looked for.
