[The pathophysiological etiological mechanism of destructive wrist joint arthropathy in pseudogout]

The pathogenesis of destructive joint lesions of the wrist in pseudogout is explained using the concept of compartments of the radiocarpal joint and bearing in mind the biomechanical situation. The progressive destruction of the joints in the wrist begins with degenerative changes in the radial styloid, then zigzags through the scapho-lunate joint into the medio-carpal joints and ultimately leads to collapse of the carpus. In its final stage there is a characteristic extensive defect in the radial styloid process. Following cartilage degeneration there is subchondral sclerosis, bone destruction, sclerosing cysts and occasionally loose bodies in the joint. Chondrocalcinosis of the triangular cartilage is a common finding which assists in making the diagnosis.