Neuropathic arthropathy (Charcot joints) due to cervical osteolysis: a complication of progressive systemic sclerosis

A patient with progressive systemic sclerosis who presented with a painless, destructive joint disease consistent with a neuropathic arthropathy is described. Roentgenogram of the cervical spine revealed marked osteolysis of C1 and C2 which allowed the odontoid process to migrate upward, compress and produce atrophy of the cervical spine cord. We suggest that these changes were responsible for the development of the neuropathic joints.