II. Pathophysiology
- Mechanisms: Joint degeneration with an increased risk of repeated Fracture and deformity
- Loss of proprioception
- Autonomic Dysfunction (vasomotor control loss)
- Typically affects weight bearing joints (knee, ankle and foot)
III. Causes
- Tabes Dorsalis in Tertiary Syphilis (knee)
- Syringomyelia (Shoulder)
- Diabetes Mellitus (see Charcot Foot)
IV. Symptoms
- Relatively painless despite the severe deformity
V. Signs
- Loss of joint contour
- Great joint instability and Hypermobility
VI. Imaging
- Severe joint degeneration
VII. Complications
- Wound ulcers (high risk of Osteomyelitis)
VIII. References
- Augusta (2023) Crit Dec Emerg Med 37(1): 16-7