MR imaging: arthropathies and infectious conditions of the elbow, wrist, and hand

The aging athlete: part 2, "boomeritis" of the upper extremity

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to describe the upper extremity injuries that frequently accompany aging, the typical clinical presentations, and the differential diagnoses with an emphasis on the injury most likely encountered with each presentation.

CONCLUSION

Expectation of continued participation in exercise and sports activities by the baby boomer population has presented new challenges to the medical field. The concepts behind factors that predispose older athletes to certain pathologic conditions that affect the muscles, tendons, and bones of the upper extremity must be understood.

Imaging features of crystal-induced arthropathy

Crystal-induced arthropathies constitute a spectrum of inflammatory arthritides that is induced by cellular reaction to crystal deposition in and around joints. A variety of microcrystals may be deposited and can induce an inflammatory response. The three most common types of crystal-induced arthropathy are gout, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease, and calcium hydroxyapatite deposition disease. Each has a characteristic clinical presentation, crystal type that may be aspirated from affected tissues, and radiographic appearance. Each of these entities may occur as a primary abnormality or secondary to an underlying disorder. Sometimes these diseases may coexist in the same joint or individual. Imaging frequently plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of crystal-induced arthropathies and may help to monitor disease progression and treatment response.