[Arthropathy of haemochromastosis (author's transl)].

X-ray changes of the small hand joints are relatively specific in haemochromatosis and are found in about 50% of cases. The main findings are irregular joint surfaces, narrowing of the joint spaces, subchondral sclerosis and small cystic changes. These affect mainly the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. In addition, chondrocalcinosis of the large joints is a common finding. Of four patients with haemochromatosis, two had the characteristical X-Ray findings of the hands, one had marked chondrocalcinosis of the knee joints, the remaining was found to be normal. The X-ray findings and their value in diagnosis will be discussed.