Background : Charcot joint, also known as charcot (neuro/osteo) arthropathy, is a rare conditions with chronic and progressive degenerative arthropathy associated with an underlying neurologic disorder. In modern Western societies by far the most common cause is diabetes mellitus. The joints most frequently affected by charcot pathology are the weight bearing joints, predominantly the mid foot but also the ankle, knee, hip and elbow. Unilateral involvement of charcotneuroarthropathy is much more common than bilateral. Clinically, patient with peripheral neuropathy, presenting with a swollen, and erythematous joint. Infection in the neuropathic joint is rare. Initial radiographic assessment by X-ray and for further scans, CT or MRI are often performed to get a more detailed visualisation of the joint, surrounding soft tissue, vasculature, and guide preoperative surgical planning.   Case Report : A 60 years old female with no previous comorbidities, presented with history progressively enlarging lump, pain, numbness and oedem at right elbow since six months ago, without fever or other joint swelling. There was no history of trauma. Plain films, MR Imaging and needle biopsy were performed. The definitive pathologic diagnosis was cystic lession with inflamation.   Discussion : Charcot neuroarthropathy is a progressive, destructive inflammatory process of joints associated with a deficit of pain sensation. Diabetes and polyneuropathy are the most frequent causes. It can lead to severe deformities and increased risk of amputation and death. Conventional radiography can help establish the diagnosis. Meanwhile, MRI plays an important role in diagnosing complications, assessing the extent of the disease, and presence of osteomyelitis.    Conclusion : Radiography play an important role in diagnosing charcot neuroarthropathy, not only in diagnostic but also in treatment planning. Initial radiographic assessment by conventional  radiography and for further examination can be done with MRI.

charcot joint

charcot neuroarthropathy

elbow

septic

infected joint