Orthopaedic manifestations of Navajo familial neurogenic arthropathy.
BACKGROUND
Navajo Familial Neurogenic Arthropathy is a disease identified in Navajo children, primarily residing in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. To date, there are no reports in the orthopaedic literature regarding this disorder, particularly the clinical manifestations and treatment considerations.


METHODS
We carried out a retrospective chart and radiographic review of 2 patients with Navajo familial neurogenic arthropathy. We present these 2 patients as representative of the orthopaedic manifestations of Navajo familial neurogenic arthropathy.


RESULTS
Both patients have significant axial and appendicular bone abnormalities, Charcot-type arthopathy, heat intolerance and also anhidrosis. They have normal intelligence. Both patients underwent surgical interventions, with recurrent deformity and infection being the most common complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Navajo familial neurogenic arthropathy is a rare clinical entity, seen most commonly in the southwestern regions of the United States. Patients are found to have a myriad of orthopaedic abnormalities, and surgical intervention, while sometimes indicated, can be fraught with complications.


METHODS
Level IV, case series.
Woiczik
Marcella R
MR
Shriners Hospitals for Children-Intermountain, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. mwoiczik@shrinenet.org
D'Astous
Jacques L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000208:ethnology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007007:Hypohidrosis / Q000150:complications*; D007198:Indians, North American; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015206:Southwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology