A wide variety of crystals have been described in association with articular disease, and previous investigations have shown a well-defined role for crystals in the pathogenesis of self-limited attacks of acute arthritis. Crystals have also been linked to chronic joint disease, but the relationship between the two is controversial. Diagnostic imaging is important in the assessment of arthropathies, particularly because it provides information about gross pathologic changes that cannot be readily determined by other methods, especially in early disease. Therefore, clinical studies correlating diagnostic imaging with laboratory and histologic findings may ultimately help to elucidate the true relationship between crystals and chronic joint disease.