[Knee gouty monoarthritis. An arthroscopic view]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Gout, a common inflammatory arthropathy in men over 40, stems from hyperuricemia and monosodium urate crystal deposition.
• This case highlights gout presenting as knee pain and inflammation post-trauma.

Observation:

• A 39-year-old male experienced persistent knee pain and inflammation after trauma, initially treated conservatively.
• Imaging revealed a medial meniscus lesion and chondral damage; arthroscopy was indicated.

Findings:

• Arthroscopy confirmed a transverse medial meniscus tear and chondropathy.
• Crucially, urate crystal deposits were observed on the synovium, ligaments, and menisci, alongside significant synovial inflammation.

Implications:

• Arthroscopic visualization and lavage of gouty collections can alleviate symptoms in affected joints.
• This approach may offer an alternative to synovectomy in managing intra-articular gout.