Charcot Arthropathy of the Shoulder

  • Usually secondary to syringomyelia – 75%
  • Difficulty is in diagnosis
Charcot Arthropathy of the Shoulder, radiograph of charcot arthropathy of the foot
Radiograph of Charcot arthropathy of the foot. Image by J. Terrence Jose Jerome, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.

History

  • decreased sensation in both hands
  • difficulties with clumsy hands, balance, gait
  • bowel/bladder problems

Exam

  • long tract signs
  • detailed neurologic exam
    • vibration sense
    • 2 point discrimination

X-rays

  • flattening of humeral head with fragmentation, subluxation & periarticular bone debris

Treatment               

  • Nonoperative
    • rest, NSAIDs, activity modification
  • Operative
    • seldom indicated
    • high rate of failure

Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.