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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2003; 7(3): 217-226
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-43232
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Imaging of Neuropathic Arthropathy

Piran Aliabadi1 , Nayer Nikpoor2 , Leyla Alparslan1
  • 1Harvard Medical School, Radiologist, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
  • 2Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 October 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Neuropathic arthropathy is a chronic, progressive joint degeneration with bone fragmentation, ligamentous instability, and dislocation. Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathic arthropathy. Conventional radiography is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosing neuropathic arthropathy. The disease is mostly the hypertrophic type and is manifested by sclerosis of the bone, fragmentation, joint destruction, swelling, large joint effusion, and large osteophyte formation. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and radionucleide scintigraphy are helpful for diagnosing the disease and may help in distinguishing neuropathic arthropathy from septic arthritis and osteomyelitis.

KEYWORDS

Neuropathic joint - Charcot joint - neuropathic arthropathy - neuropathic disorder

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