UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: 67 yo M with hx of Knee OA who presents with knee pain and swelling

Category: Orthopedics

Posted: 1/11/2025 by Brian Corwell, MD
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Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), AKA pseudogout.

Calcium crystal deposits form on articular surfaces.

This MAY trigger an inflammatory synovitis. Also can be asymptomatic.

Degenerative changes occur to the affected joint over time

CC: Moderate to severe pain, tenderness to palpation, stiffness, redness, warmth and decreased ROM.

May appear as punctate linear densities within the articular cartilage.

Joint fluid analysis: Weakly positive birefringent rhomboid shaped crystals.

Differential diagnosis: Calcified meniscus and Septic knee