MSK imaging: Charcot joint: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · MSK imaging: Charcot joint

Sample item

A long-standing diabetic has a swollen, warm but painless foot. Radiographs show fragmentation, subluxation and disorganisation of the midfoot joints with sclerosis and debris. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Neuropathic (Charcot) arthropathy

Loss of protective sensation leads to repeated trauma and destruction of the joint, giving the six Ds: distended joint, dense bone, debris, disorganisation, dislocation and destruction. Diabetes is now the most common cause.

Option by option

  • A. Gout

    Gout causes punched-out erosions.

  • B. Neuropathic (Charcot) arthropathy (correct)

    Correct. A painless destroyed joint in a diabetic is Charcot arthropathy.

  • C. Septic arthritis

    Septic arthritis is acutely painful with fever.

  • D. Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis shows periarticular osteopenia and marginal erosions.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Neuropathic (Charcot) arthropathy. Loss of protective sensation leads to repeated trauma and destruction of the joint, giving the six Ds: distended joint, dense bone, debris, disorganisation, dislocation and destruction.

Why is "Gout" not the answer?

Gout causes punched-out erosions.

Why is "Septic arthritis" not the answer?

Septic arthritis is acutely painful with fever.

Why is "Rheumatoid arthritis" not the answer?

Rheumatoid arthritis shows periarticular osteopenia and marginal erosions.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: Charcot joint in Radiology. Diabetes is now the most common cause.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study MSK imaging: Charcot joint?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.