Arthrology and Infections — MCQs

Q: Most common cause of neuropathic joint is:

Diabetes mellitus. ***Diabetes mellitus*** - **Peripheral neuropathy** is a common complication of diabetes, leading to loss of protective sensation and proprioception in the joints [1]. - This sensory loss, combined with repetitive microtrauma, is the most frequent cause of **Charcot arthropathy (neuropathic joint)** in developed countries [1]. *Amyloidosis (systemic amyloidosis)* - While amyloidosis can cause **neuropathy**, it is a far less common cause of neuropathic joint compared to diabetes. - **Amyloid deposition** can directly affect joints but typically presents as an inflammatory or erosive arthropathy rather than classic neuropathic destruction. *Leprosy (Hansen's disease)* - **Leprosy** can cause significant peripheral neuropathy, leading to neuropathic changes, particularly in the feet and hands. - However, due to its **rarity in many parts of the world** and effective treatment, it is not the most common cause globally. *Syphilis (neurosyphilis)* - **Tabes dorsalis**, a late manifestation of neurosyphilis, can cause severe proprioceptive loss and lead to **Charcot joints**, particularly in the knees and hips. - With the advent of antibiotics, **neurosyphilis** is now a very rare cause of neuropathic joint compared to diabetes.

Q: What is the most common cause of neuropathic joint disease?

Diabetes. ***Diabetes*** - **Diabetic neuropathy** is the most frequent cause of neuropathic joint disease, commonly affecting the feet and ankles due to **sensory and autonomic nerve damage** [1]. - Impaired sensation leads to repeated microtrauma and subsequent joint destruction, often referred to as **Charcot arthropathy** [1]. *Leprosy* - While leprosy can cause sensory neuropathy and lead to neuropathic joint issues, particularly in the extremities, it is far less prevalent globally than diabetes as a cause. - Neuropathic joint disease in leprosy often involves the small joints of the hands and feet due to **loss of protective sensation**. *Nerve injury* - Direct severe nerve injury can lead to localized neuropathic arthropathy in the affected limb, but it is not a systemic or widespread cause. - The impact is typically confined to the **body region innervated by the damaged nerve**, unlike the more diffuse effects seen in systemic diseases [2]. *Tabes dorsalis* - This is a rare, late manifestation of **syphilis** characterized by degeneration of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, leading to sensory ataxia and loss of proprioception. - While it can cause Charcot joints, particularly in the knees and hips, it is much less common today due to effective treatment of syphilis.

Practice by Chapter

Septic Arthritis

Practice Questions

Osteomyelitis

Practice Questions

Tuberculosis of Bones and Joints

Practice Questions

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Practice Questions

Diabetic Foot Infections

Practice Questions

Prosthetic Joint Infections

Practice Questions

Reactive Arthritis

Practice Questions

Management of Joint Infections

Practice Questions

Prevention of Orthopaedic Infections

Practice Questions

Biofilms in Orthopaedic Infections

Practice Questions

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Practice Questions

Implant-Related Infections

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free

Scan to download app