Knee Arthrodesis in a Patient with Charcot Neuroarthropathy Secondary to Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy: A Case Report

• Published in: JBJS case connector Vol. 7; no. 4; p. e97
• Main Authors: Rebelo, Tiago, Morais, João, Agostinho, Francisco, Abrantes, Ana, Simões, Nuno, Simões, Inês
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc 01-12-2017
• Subjects: Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial - complications; Arthrodesis - methods; Arthropathy, Neurogenic - etiology; Female; Humans; Knee Joint - surgery; Middle Aged
• ISSN: 2160-3251; 2160-3251
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.17.00110

We report a rare case of severe Charcot neuroarthropathy of the knee secondary to familial amyloid polyneuropathy, which was treated surgically with a knee arthrodesis. This treatment allowed an early symptomatic and functional improvement and a short consolidation time without any major complications.
Neuropathy is the earliest and most major burden in patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy; it requires careful evaluation and adequate treatment aimed at preventing or slowing the progression of secondary damage, involving Charcot neuroarthropathy, that may occur. Surgical arthrodesis with antegrade intramedullary nailing may be appropriate in a patient with severe Charcot neuroarthropathy of the knee.