Chondrocalcinosis

Buildup of calcium phosphate in the ankle joints has been found in about 50% of the general population, and may be associated with osteoarthritis.[2]

Another common cause of chondrocalcinosis is calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPD).[3] CPPD is estimated to affect 4% to 7% of the adult populations of Europe and the United States.[4] Previous studies have overestimated the prevalence by simply estimating the prevalence of chondrocalcinosis regardless of cause.[4]

A magnesium deficiency may cause chondrocalcinosis, and there is anecdotal evidence that magnesium supplementation may reduce or alleviate symptoms.[5] In some cases, arthritis from injury can cause chondrocalcinosis.[6] Other causes of chondrocalcinosis include:[3]

• Hypercalcaemia, especially when caused by hyperparathyroidism
• Arthritis
• Pseudogout
• Wilson disease
• Hemochromatosis
• Ochronosis
• Hypophosphatasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperoxalemia
• Acromegaly
• Gitelman syndrome

Chondrocalcinosis can be visualized on projectional radiography, CT scan, MRI, US, and nuclear medicine.[1] CT scans and MRIs show calcific masses (usually within the ligamentum flavum or joint capsule), however radiography is more successful.[1] At ultrasound, chondrocalcinosis may be depicted as echogenic foci with no acoustic shadow within the hyaline cartilage.[7] As with most conditions, chondrocalcinosis can present with similarity to other diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and gout.[1]