Crystal Arthropathy

Crystal arthropathy refers to a type of arthropathy characterized by accumulation of crystals in joints. Polarizing microscopy and application of other crystallographic techniques have improved identification of different microcrystals including monosodium urate, calcium-pyrophosphate dihydrate, calcium hydroxyapatite, and calcium oxalate.

Types include:

Name Substance Birefringence
Gout accumulation of uric acid negative
Chondrocalcinosis aka Pseudogout accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate positive

Read more about Crystal Arthropathy:  Risk Factors, Causes, Differential Diagnosis

Famous quotes containing the word crystal:

    In a few days I’ll have lived one score and three days in this vale of tears. On I plod—always bored, often drunk, doing no penance for my faults—rather do I become more tolerant of myself from day to day, hardening my crystal heart with blasphemous humor and shunning only toothpicks, pathos, and poverty as being the three unforgivable things in life.
    F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940)