Rheumatic complications of alcohol abuse

The purpose of this report is to review rheumatic complications associated with alcoholism. Data were collected by an English-language literature search using MEDLINE (1966 to December 1991) and references from identified articles. Studies in humans, including case reports of joint disease and allied disorders associated with alcoholism, were reviewed. According to the data identified, alcoholism is associated with many rheumatic problems, including neuropathic arthropathy, hyperuricemia with gouty arthritis, septic arthritis, and joint hypermobility. Osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, and myopathy also are common. Several other rare musculoskeletal complication have been described. Early recognition of these problems is important for management. Further studies are needed to examine the effect of alcohol on connective tissue components in joints.