Crystal-associated arthropathies.

Crystal-associated arthritis constitutes one of the best-understood inflammatory processes involving joints in humans. It affects mainly middle-aged or elderly individuals and is often seen in association with signs of degenerative joint disease. Articular manifestations of crystalline deposition disease not uncommonly are also the first presentation of reversible metabolic or endocrine disorders. This is an important field for clinicians because the diagnosis can be rapidly and precisely made by synovial fluid analysis. Furthermore, the acute manifestations can be controlled effectively with the administration of colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents or intra-articular corticosteroid injections. The chronic manifestations of gouty arthritis are also successfully managed with long-term hypouricemic therapy.