Charcot Spine after Remote Cervical Spine Injury

Charcot spine, also known as neuropathic spinal arthropathy and Charcot spinal arthropathy, is a rare and potentially devastating consequence of spinal cord injury. The degeneration seen in patients with Charcot spine occurs secondary to the loss of innervation to the spinal facet joints [1]. The most common cause is traumatic spinal cord injury, though syphilitic tabes dorsalis frequently seen in the past [2]. Patients often complain of increased kyphosis, a “cracking” sound in their back during movement, increasing pain, or increased spasticity. Treatment of this condition ranges from observation, immobilization with bracing or jacket, or surgical stabilization. In this report, we describe a patient diagnosed with Charcot spine 32 years after a complete cervical spinal cord injury, and treatment with a posterior approach for stabilization.