Neuropathic spinal arthropathy. A review of the Charcot spine.

The historic, pathogenetic, and clinical aspects of neuropathic spinal arthropathy are reviewed. The disorder is characterized by biologic inflammation and repair reaction to injury. In the absence of adequate pain perception, splinting of the injured portion of the spine does not occur. Motor loss may occur. Surgical stabilization and bone grafting of the injured spine may effect correction of the kyphosis or scoliosis and permit healing of the vertebral fractures. Correction of the deformity depends on the extent of the defor pain perception, splinting of the injured portion of the spine does not occur. Motor loss may occur. Surgical stabilization and bone grafting of the injured spine may effect correction of the kyphosis or scoliosis and permit healing of the vertebral fractures. Correction of the deformity depends on extent of the deformity, the location of the lesion, and associated complicating medical disorders. A successful fusion is in no small way dependent on the desire and the ability of the patient to participate in the protracted period of postoperation care.