Crystal arthropathies represent a heterogenic group of skeletal diseases associated with the deposition of mineralised material within joints and periarticular soft tissues. Gout is the most common and pathogenetically best understood crystal arthropathy, followed by basic calcium phosphate and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition diseases, and, in very rare cases, calcium oxalate crystal arthropathy. These crystals are responsible for different rheumatic syndromes, including acute or chronic synovial inflammation, and also contribute to cartilage degeneration. This review gives an overview of the pathological and clinical changes of these arthropathies.
