Charcot like changes in Leprosy

Abstract

Charcot-like changes in leprosy patient are mostly observed on foot and ankle, but rarely on other joints.
It was clinically observed that of 38 cases, 3 cases had the destruction of the whole tarsal bones, 19 cases on ankle, 4 cases on subtalar joints, 8 cases on Chopart's joint and 4 cases on Lisfranc's joint.
Charcot-like changes of ankle may be caused by repeated sprain. Clinical finding shows swelling, lateral instability and pes varus deformity of ankle.
The sclerosis, deformity of the tarsal bones and loose bodies in ankle are roentogenologically noted.
Proliferating bone changes are rare and the arthicular surface of the tibia is not damaged.
In Chopart's and subtalar joints, the condition begins with warmness and swelling without any cause.
The stability of the foot is kept well, though roentogenogram shows the destruction of navicular bone and calcaneum.
In Lisfranc's joint, the destruction of cuboid bone, caused by sprain, occurs, but may result in only pes valgus and planus deformity and stability of foot is kept well.