Imaging of Charcot Joint in Multiple Sclerosis: A Study of 30 Patients

Background: Charcot joint, known as neuropathic arthropathy, is a disorder often associated with neurodegenerative disorders that lead to decreased pain sensation and proprioception, resulting in joint degeneration. Multiple sclerosis (MS), primarily affecting the central nervous system, which may lead indirectly to the development of neuropathic arthropathy. Aim: was to provide an analysis of the imaging features of Charcot joint in patients with MS, through identifying patterns of joints involvement and bone pathology. Methods: A retrospective study conducted in al-Nasiriyah teaching hospital from 2022-2025 and included thirty MS patients with clinical suspicion of neuropathic arthropathy. Computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were reviewed to assess the extent of joint pathology and characterize distinct imaging finding. Results: A total of 30 patients where included, their age range of 34–55 years, radiological findings included osteophyte formation in 15 (50%), bone resorption in 9 (30%), and joint subluxation in 6 (20%) of patients, severe joint degeneration in 21 (70%) patients. CT shows joint space narrowing in 18 (60%) patients, verifying the essential need for joints assessment. Conclusion: The study highlights the important role of comprehensive imaging techniques in diagnosing neuropathic arthropathy in MS patients, as both MRI and CT as particularly valuable tools for early detection then planning of the treatment.