Septic and Dislocated Elbow as the Initial Manifestation of a Cervicothoracic Syrinx: Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59311/wtjm.v4i1.70Keywords:
Syrinx, Elbow Dislocation, Septic ArthritisAbstract
Case: A previously healthy 56-year-old male presented with a painless, swollen elbow and septic shock following a minor puncture wound. Imaging and subsequent arthrocentesis revealed a dislocated elbow with concurrent septic arthritis, yet the patient demonstrated minimal pain and near full range of motion. This discordant clinical picture prompted further investigation, revealing an extensive, previously undiagnosed cervicothoracic syrinx.
Conclusion: Septic arthritis with simultaneous acute-appearing joint dislocation represents an unusual initial presentation of neuropathic arthropathy secondary to syringomyelia. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for underlying neurological pathology when encountering patients with severe joint abnormalities but disproportionately minimal pain or functional limitation.
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