Migrating bone shards in dissecting Charcot joints

Extensive periarticular calcification is characteristic of Charcot joints. Fragmentation of the articular margins of bone contributes to the bony detritus, but the majority forms de novo in the joint capsule. Occasionally the calcific debris is seen far removed from the joint. Dissection of a chronically distended joint along muscle planes is most commonly associated with the inflammatory joint disease of rheumatoid arthritis. Its occurrence in Charcot joints is documented by arthrography, which demonstrates continuity of the joint space and the distant calcifications.