CRYSTAL DISEASE

The crystalline arthropathies are a heterogeneous group of biochemical disorders that share the common feature of crystal deposition in and around joints. These metabolic derangements result in a variety of cli nical symptoms, radiographic signs, and pathologic abnormalities. The diagnosis of these disorders usually is straightforward when typical a rticular symptoms are present and characteristic radiographs or joint crystals are obtained. Current concepts regarding crystal-associated a rthropathies are reviewed along with a discussion of their often disti nctive radiographic appearances.