Description
Crystal associated arthritis is a common cause of joint pain in older persons. The presentation of gout is often different in older individuals than in younger ones. Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease has multiple presentations, including the lumbar and cervical spine. Roentgenographic abnormalities can be helpful in the diagnosis of crystal associated arthritis. The definitive diagnosis must be made by identifying characteristic crystals in the synovial fluid under a polarizing microscope. These conditions have specific and effective treatments.
