Neuroarthropathy of the wrist in paraplegia: A case report.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Neuroarthropathy, also known as Charcot joint, is most commonly seen in the spine and other weight-bearing joints in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It is rarely seen in the joints of the upper extremities because the pathophysiology of the neuroarthropathy is thought to be significant repetitive trauma such as with weight bearing in an insensate joint.

METHODS

Case report of neuroarthropathy in the wrist of a 46-year-old man with a 30-year history of T4 paraplegia caused by ependymoma.

RESULTS

The patient recently developed a nonpainful swelling in the left wrist, which had decreased sensation since the time of his initial SCI. Radiological evaluation showed marked degenerative changes consistent with neuroarthropathy. A magnetic resonance image of the spine showed spinal cord atrophy at the cervicothoracic junction.

CONCLUSIONS

This case shows an unusual presentation of a neuroarthropathy in a wrist in an individual with functional paraplegia. Because the treatment options for neuroarthropathy in the upper extremity in individuals with SCI are limited, early diagnosis is crucial to implement conservative management before significant destruction of the joint occurs.