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Periarticular hand hydroxyapatite deposition after corticosteroid injections
1Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Periarticular calcifications in small hand joints may occur after corticosteroid injections. X-ray diffraction confirmed these deposits contain hydroxyapatite, a common cause of joint calcification.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Corticosteroid injections are frequently used for treating joint inflammation.
- Periarticular calcifications are a known, though uncommon, complication of various intra-articular treatments.
Observation:
- Four patients developed periarticular calcifications in small hand joints.
- These calcifications appeared chronologically after receiving corticosteroid injections.
Findings:
- Excised calcifications were analyzed using x-ray diffraction.
- The analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite crystals within the calcifications.
Implications:
- This finding suggests a potential link between corticosteroid injections and hydroxyapatite deposition in joints.
- Understanding this association may inform treatment protocols and patient counseling regarding corticosteroid therapy for hand conditions.