charcot's joints definition
Charcot arthropathy, also called Charcot joint or neuropathic joint, is a progressive musculoskeletal disorder characterized by joint subluxation, pathologic fractures, and debilitating deformities. Left untreated, this condition results in progressive destruction cycles of bone and soft tissues at weight-bearing joints. Charcot arthropathy can occur at any joint in the body, but most commonly occurs in the foot and ankle. Any disease that causes sensory or autonomic neuropathy can lead to Charcot arthropathy, while diabetes mellitus is the current leading cause.