Neurosyphilis Charcot’s Joint

Charcot’s joints or neuropathic joints is a progressive arthropathy associated with loss of pain sensation and proprioception of the involved joint. The painless destructive joint is associated with tertiary syphilis (tabes dorsalis). Other causes are Diabetic neuropathy, Leprosy (mainly lower limb joints), Syringomyelia (upper and lower limbs), Multiple Sclerosis, Myelomeningocele, alcoholism, and spinal cord compression [1].

We would like to report a case of Charcot’s joint in a neurosyphilis patient. A 55 years male, known syphilis for 30 years, presented with a history of progressively painless swelling both knees following instability and unable to walk for six years. Last 6 years ago, he noticed that both knee joints were swollen and deformed. There was a history of instability while walking and weight-bearing. Hence, he is ADL (Advance daily life support) dependent and uses a wheelchair. He has no history of alcohol consumption and drugs.

This case is selected for reporting due to its relatively rare incidence and unusual presentation.