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Joint destruction resulting from loss or diminution of proprioception, pain, and temperature perception
As normal muscle tone and protective reflexes are lost, secondary degenerative joint disease ensues
Although initially described in the knees of patients with tabes dorsalis, it is more frequently seen in association with diabetic neuropathy (foot and ankle) or syringomyelia (shoulder)
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An enlarged, boggy, relatively painless joint with extensive cartilage erosion, osteophyte formation, and multiple loose joint bodies
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Directed toward the primary disease
Mechanical devices are used to assist in weight bearing and prevention of further trauma
Surgical strategies, including arthrodesis, with or without orthobiologics, can be considered if nonsurgical management fails