A number of crystals are associated with joint disease ( Fig. 61-1 ). The major culprits are calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) and hydroxyapatite (HA), a basic calcium phosphate (BCP). The focus in this chapter is on the disorders associated with…
Etiology Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) represents a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders that begin in childhood and involve persistent inflammation of one or more joints. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an umbrella term for all chronic childhood arthropathies and can be…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory systemic disease that primarily affects the synovium and is characterized by destruction of bone and cartilage. The small joints of the hands and feet are typically affected, although the larger joints…
What is Aging? The processes and inevitability of aging are as certain as death and paying taxes. In the past 5 years, the population of the world has grown by approximately 1.7% per year. On the other hand, the number…