Leprosy is a granulomatous infection caused by the bacterium Hansen’s bacillus (Mycobacterium leprae), with two types: lepromatous and tuberculoid. The tuberculoid type, also known as the neural type, is commonly associated with bone affection and neural involvement, causing insensitivity to pain with unnoticed recurrent trauma and infection. The metatarsal and phalanges are the most common sites affected by osteo-neuro-arthropathy (Charcot's foot), leading to subsequent autoamputation.

Plain radiography, CT scan, MRI, and US can be used for radiological imaging of the affected site. Nerve affection is the main cause of morbidity in patients with leprosy. Bacterial neuritis affects the motor, sensory, and autonomic functions of the nerve.

As sequelae of neuritis, loss of sensation, recurrent trauma, and infection can lead to ulceration, soft tissue infection, periostitis, osteitis, osteomyelitis, arthritis, and Charcot's joint. Neuritis can be acute or subacute and diagnosed early by US or MRI. The affected nerve is enlarged with abnormal signal intensity and enhancement in the post-contrast study. Early diagnosis of the disease ensures adequate treatment and prevents patient morbidity and disability.