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Charcot joint - spine

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Diabetic patient.

Patient Data

Age: Elderly.
Gender: Female
x-ray

A focal thoracic kyphosis is present due to severe destructure change involving adjacent vertebra with anterolisthesis. 

ct

The patient went on to have surgical fusion and biopsy. 

Case Discussion

This is a case of histologically proven Charcot joint in a diabetic patient. Note the distinctive difference in bone density above and below the Charcot joint on plain radiographs. 

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