A joint that has been damaged by inflammation and a series of injuries, which pass unnoticed due to loss of sensation in the joint resulting from neuropathy (nerve damage caused by disease). Neuropathic joints develop in a number of conditions, including diabetes mellitus and untreated syphilis. When sensation to pain is lost, abnormal stress and strain on a joint do not stimulate the protective reflex spasm of the surrounding muscles; this failure of the protective reflex allows exaggerated movement that can damage the joint. Osteoarthritis, swelling, and deformity are features of a neuropathic joint. An orthopaedic brace or caliper splint may be necessary to restrict any abnormal movement of the joint. Occasionally, an arthrodesis (a surgical operation to fuse a joint) is performed. The nerve damage is irreversible.
Neuropathic joint |
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