Joints: Charcot arthropathy: practice question

A Orthopaedics 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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Orthopaedics · Joints: Charcot arthropathy

Sample item

A man with syringomyelia develops a painless swollen disorganised shoulder joint. Which type of arthropathy is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Neuropathic (Charcot) joint

Neuropathic arthropathy results from loss of pain and proprioception, leading to repeated unnoticed trauma and gross joint destruction. Syringomyelia affects the shoulder and elbow, tabes dorsalis the knee and diabetes the tarsal joints of the foot.

Option by option

  • A. Gouty arthritis

    Gout produces acute inflammatory pain.

  • B. Neuropathic (Charcot) joint (correct)

    Correct. Painless joint destruction in syringomyelia is Charcot arthropathy.

  • C. Septic arthritis

    Septic arthritis is painful and febrile.

  • D. Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is painful and symmetrical.

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 Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, Neuropathic (Charcot) joint. Neuropathic arthropathy results from loss of pain and proprioception, leading to repeated unnoticed trauma and gross joint destruction.

Why is "Gouty arthritis" not the answer?

Gout produces acute inflammatory pain.

Why is "Septic arthritis" not the answer?

Septic arthritis is painful and febrile.

Why is "Rheumatoid arthritis" not the answer?

Rheumatoid arthritis is painful and symmetrical.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Joints: Charcot arthropathy in Orthopaedics. Syringomyelia affects the shoulder and elbow, tabes dorsalis the knee and diabetes the tarsal joints of the foot.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Joints: Charcot arthropathy?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics 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.