Localized chondrocalcinosis in traumatized joints.

The radiographs and medical records were reviewed of 76 patients who presented with chondrocalcinosis over a period of two years. Two groups of patients could be distinguished. The first group consisted of 58 mostly elderly patients (age 53-89 years [mean 71.8]). In these, chondrocalcinosis was most likely to be caused by an underlying disease such as calcium crystal deposition disease or it was present in association with osteoarthritis. In most cases of this group the findings were bilateral. The second group consisted of 18 patients who were significantly younger (age 15-69 years [mean 43.1]). In these patients there was no evidence of an underlying disease. Chondrocalcinosis was seen in only one joint, which had sustained damage by surgery or trauma. The knees were affected in the majority of cases and meniscectomy was believed to be the previous trauma in most of these cases. The hands were involved in two patients, the wrist, shoulder, or elbow were involved in other patients. In two cases with chondrocalcinosis in the hand and knee, the findings disappeared several weeks to months after the injury. The findings in the group of patients with a history of trauma or surgery and no other disease, support the concept that chondrocalcinosis may result from previous joint damage.