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Calcium crystals in osteoarthritis.
Kanyakorn Jaovisidha1, Ann K Rosenthal
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA. kjaovisidha@yahoo.com
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|May 1, 2002
Summary
Calcium crystals, common in older adults, frequently coexist with osteoarthritis. Emerging data suggest these crystals play a significant role in causing or worsening this prevalent joint disease.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Crystal Arthropathy
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common adult arthritis, increasing with age.
- Radiographic knee OA affects over 50% of individuals aged 65+.
- Calcium crystal deposition diseases (e.g., calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, basic calcium phosphate) are prevalent in the elderly, often coexisting with OA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of calcium crystals in the pathogenesis and progression of osteoarthritis.
- To review current understanding of the interrelationship between calcium crystals and OA.
- To highlight challenges in studying this association due to limited knowledge of pathogenesis and crystal detection.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and laboratory studies.
- Analysis of existing literature on osteoarthritis and crystal arthropathy.
- Examination of data on calcium crystal detection and their impact on joint health.
Main Results:
- Clinical and laboratory evidence supports a significant role for calcium crystals in osteoarthritis.
- The coexistence of OA and crystal arthropathy is common, particularly in the elderly population.
- Limited understanding of OA and crystal-induced arthritis pathogenesis hinders progress.
Conclusions:
- Calcium crystals are implicated in the development or exacerbation of osteoarthritis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which calcium crystals affect OA.
- Improved methods for crystal detection may enhance our understanding of this complex relationship.