M49.4: Neuropathic spondylopathy

Neuropathic spondylopathy, often known as Charcot's spine, is a rare and complicated disorder affecting the spine. This condition falls under the umbrella of neuropathic arthropathy, which is a destructive joint condition caused by impaired sensory perception. In the case of neuropathic spondylopathy, the damage is centered in the vertebral areas of the spine, mainly due to longstanding diabetes mellitus. Initially, the patient may not feel any pain due to loss of sensation but may start to notice difficulty in movement, spine deformation or instability. Because the condition is associated with nerve damage, it can potentially lead to severe complications like fractures or severe deformities. It's essential to diagnose the condition early to properly manage it and delay disease progression, as currently, there is no full cure available.