[Destructive arthropathies].

Destructive arthropathy occurs not only in septic arthritis and inflammatory rheumatism but also in osteo-arthrosis. The destruction may be slowly progressive or conversely very fast. Old age, female sex and local overload are contributing factors. There is no clear-cut evidence that the articular chondrocalcinosis and apatite deposits are associated with destructive arthropathy. Enzymatic release due to the phagocytosis of the microcrystals could be one of the causes of the destruction. There is no clear-cut evidence that the clinical use of intracorticosteroids or of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is reasonable for destructive arthropathy.