Crystal arthropathy (Greek arthron "joint", pathos "suffering") is a joint disease in which crystalline end products of metabolism are deposited in the joint cavity. These crystal deposits can lead to aseptic inflammation with overheating, swelling, redness and restricted movement of the affected joint. In the long term, joint destruction is possible.
Crystal arthropathyM10; M14;
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
ClassificationThis section has been translated automatically.
The crystal arthropathies include:
- Gout: Deposition of uric acid crystals
- Chondrocalcinosis: Deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals (pyrophosphate gout, pseudogout)
- Hydroxyapatite deposition disease (e.g. tendinitis calcarea): deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals
- Hemochromatosis (iron storage disease)
- Ochronotic arthropathy: Deposition of homogentisic acid crystals
- Oxalotic arthropathy with long-term dialysis
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
A well-known crystal arthropathy is gout, in which needle-shaped uric acid crystals accumulate in tissue and joints due to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. A puncture of the joint and examination of the synovial fluid (synovia) provides information about the type and quantity of crystals.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
A change in diet and conservative therapies are often sufficient to treat crystal arthropathy.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Fazel M et al. (2018) Inflammatory arthritis and crystal arthropathy: Current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations. Clin Dermatol 36:533-550.
- Kuo CF et al. (2015) Rising burden of gout in the UK but continuing suboptimal management: a nationwide population study. Ann Rheum Dis 74: 661-667.
- Poole H et al. (2023) Axial crystal arthropathy mimicking facet joint septic arthritis with epidural abscess. Med J Aust 218:301-303.