Multiple microcrystal deposition within a family

Chondrocalcinosis of the Wrist

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition (CPDD) disease has characteristic radiographic features including soft tissue calcification, joint space narrowing, bone sclerosis, subchondral cyst formation without osteophyte formation, and large intraosseous geodes. Triangular fibrocartilage calcification is frequently found and isolated scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) arthritis is specific for CPDD. Distal radio-ulnar (DRUJ), isolated midcarpal joint and piso-triquetral joint involvement also occur. 127 patients were reviewed. Seventy-eight had symptomatic STT joint arthritis, for which 36 underwent surgery. Twenty-two patients had a SLAC wrist deformity for which ten underwent surgery. Eight patients had isolated midcarpal arthritis for which three midcarpal arthrodeses, two four-bone arthrodeses and two carpal tunnel releases were performed. Nineteen patients had a generalized arthritis and seven of the patients underwent surgery: fourcorner arthrodesis+scaphoidectomy (one case), carpal tunnel relaease (two cases) extensor synovectomy (two cases) and trigger finger release (two cases).

Hydroxyapatite pseudopodagra. A syndrome of young women

Six women with acute calcific periarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (hydroxyapatite pseudopodagra) are described, and 10 previously reported cases (8 female patients and 2 male patients) are reviewed. The onset was characterized by acute pain, swelling, erythema, tenderness, and limitation of movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, symptoms indistinguishable from those of gouty podagra, which is associated with transient amorphous calcific deposits in the vicinity of the joint. Based on these results it appears that hydroxyapatite pseudopodagra is a disorder that predominantly affects premenopausal women.