The word "neurogenic arthropathies" refers to joint disorders caused by nerve damage. It is pronounced as "nu-roh-jen-ik ar-throh-puh-theez" with phonetic transcription given as /n(j)ʊroʊ'ʤɛnɪk ɑr'θrɑpəθiz/. The letter "n" followed by "eu" is pronounced as "nuh." The "genic" suffix is pronounced as "jenik." "Arthropathies" is spelled as "ar-throh-puh-theez" with an "ar" sound as in "art." This term is commonly used in medical discourse to describe the conditions affecting joints and the nerves that innervate them.
Neurogenic arthropathies, also known as Charcot arthropathy or neuropathic joints, refer to a group of progressive musculoskeletal disorders that result from nerve damage affecting joints and bones. This condition is most commonly associated with individuals suffering from neuropathy, especially diabetic neuropathy.
Neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve dysfunction or damage, often resulting in impaired sensation or loss of feeling in affected areas. In the case of neurogenic arthropathies, patients with neuropathy are unable to perceive pain or stresses on their joints, causing repeated trauma without them being aware of it. Over time, this leads to progressive destruction and deformity in the joints.
Neurogenic arthropathies most commonly affect the feet and lower extremities, although they can also occur in other joints throughout the body. The condition is characterized by joint swelling, instability, and severe deformity. The affected joints often exhibit bone destruction, dislocations, and fractures, with a loss of joint function.
The exact cause of neurogenic arthropathies is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of neuropathy, increased joint stress, and the body's impaired ability to repair and heal damaged joints. Diabetes, spinal cord injury, and other neuropathic conditions are frequently associated with the development of neurogenic arthropathies.
Treatment of neurogenic arthropathies typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medical management of the underlying cause (such as diabetes control), providing supportive care for the affected joints (such as orthotic devices or braces), and implementing strategies to prevent further joint damage. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to stabilize or correct deformities and improve joint function.
The word "neurogenic" has its roots in two Greek words: "neuron", meaning "nerve", and "genesis", meaning "origin" or "creation". Therefore, "neurogenic" refers to something that originates from or is caused by nerves.
The term "arthropathy" comes from two Greek words as well: "arthro", meaning "joint", and "pathos", meaning "disease" or "suffering". Thus, "arthropathy" refers to a disease or disorder affecting the joints.
When these two terms are combined, "neurogenic arthropathies" refers to joint diseases or disorders that arise from or are related to issues with nerves.
For example, one specific type of neurogenic arthropathy is called "neuropathic arthropathy" or "Charcot joint".