IMAGING OF NEUROPATHIC OSTEOARTHROPATHY

Abstract

Neuropathic osteoarthropathy represent a spectrum of bone and joint mutilating changes which is associated with many diseases involving either the spinal cord or the peripheral nerves. The aim of the work is to illustrate the radiologic and imaging finding of neuropathic osteoarthropathy to emphasize the role of each modality in diagnosis. This work include notes about the anatomy and the normal radiological appearance of the most commonly affected joints. Also pathological notes of the macroscopic and microscopic appearance and how it can not be differentiated pathologically from osteoarthritis. The techniques ofthe most useful imaging modalities in the diagnosis of the disease which are the conventional radiography and MRI were discussed in details. Radiological manifestation of the disease include destruction of the joint with gross disorganization, bony debris, joint instability, joint effusion, lack of osteoporosis. The diagnosis of neuropathic joint need an integrated work of physician and radiologist as the radiological manifestations are the same as osteoarthritis but in the most sever form.