[Destructive arthropathies].

Abstract

Destructive arthropathies occur not only in septic arthritis and inflammatory rheumatism but also in degenerative joint disease. The destruction may be slowly progressive or conversely very fast, leading for instance to rapid destruction of the hip joint. Articular chondrocalcinosis and apatite deposition disease are often associated with destructive arthropathy. It is assumed that enzymatic release from leukocytes which have phagocytosed the crystals could play a major role. There is no clear cut evidence that clinical or intrasynovial use of corticosteroids or non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs is responsive for joint destruction. Interestingly, in chronic hemodialyzed patients destructive arthropaty can occur especially in the vertebral column. Amyloid of deposition of beta-2 microglobulin origin is considered as a causative factor.