Overlapping features of rapidly progressive osteoarthrosis and Charcot arthropathy

Abstract

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the primary neurotrophin in the skeleton and a central mediator of skeletal pain. Recent trials of anti-NGF neutralizing antibodies have resulted in infrequent but well-described incidence of rapidly progressive osteoarthrosis (RPOA). Neuropathy, whether from syphilis or diabetes, is also associated with severe joint destruction, known as neuroarthropathy or Charcot joint. These commonalities of severe joint destruction with either loss of a neurotrophin (anti-NGF) or a deficit of functional skeletal innervation led us to examine our institutional case files for potential radio-pathologic overlap between RPOA and Charcot joint.