Crystal arthropathy of the lumbar spine: a report of 4 cases

J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2007 Apr;15(1):94-101. doi: 10.1177/230949900701500122.

Abstract

Gout or pseudogout, caused by deposition of crystals, rarely affects the spine. We report 4 cases with gout or pseudogout in the lumbar spine. Two had cauda equina syndrome and another 2 had spinal stenosis. To avoid unnecessary surgery, this should be considered in the differential diagnosis when treating patients with histories of gout or pseudogout for spinal problems.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthrography
  • Chondrocalcinosis / complications
  • Chondrocalcinosis / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gout / complications
  • Gout / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyradiculopathy / etiology
  • Polyradiculopathy / surgery
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Stenosis / etiology
  • Spinal Stenosis / surgery