J Spinal Cord Med, 2006 · DOI: · Published: January 1, 2006
Neuroarthropathy, or Charcot joint, typically affects weight-bearing joints in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). This is because it's believed to result from repetitive trauma in joints lacking sensation. This case report presents a 42-year-old man with paraplegia who developed neuroarthropathy in his wrist. This is unusual because the wrist is not typically a weight-bearing joint. Early diagnosis of neuroarthropathy in the upper extremity is important for individuals with SCI because treatment options are limited. Early diagnosis allows for implementation of conservative management before significant joint destruction occurs.
Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of neuroarthropathy in non-weight-bearing joints, such as the wrist, in individuals with SCI, particularly those with sensory deficits.
Early implementation of conservative management strategies, such as orthotics and activity modification, is essential to minimize joint damage and preserve function.
Further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for neuroarthropathy in the upper extremity in individuals with SCI.