Medical College of Wisconsin
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Identification of crystals in synovial fluids and joint tissues. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2001 Feb;3(1):11-6

Date

03/20/2001

Pubmed ID

11177766

DOI

10.1007/s11926-001-0045-y

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0035256833 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   33 Citations

Abstract

The identification of crystals in synovial fluids and joint tissues is the most rapid and accurate method of diagnosing the common forms of crystal-associated arthritis. Although there are numerous methods available for identifying and characterizing crystals in biologic specimens including x-ray crystallography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, in practice, polarizing light microscopy is used almost exclusively for articular crystals. Unfortunately, problems with reliability and reproducibility undercut the usefulness of this simple procedure. This article highlights recent developments in the field and discusses the importance of identifying synovial fluid crystals, proper handling of specimens, and the appropriate use of available technologies for crystal identification.

Author List

Rosenthal AK, Mandel N

Author

Ann K. Rosenthal MD Associate Dean, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Cartilage, Articular
Chondrocalcinosis
Crystallization
Humans
Prognosis
Synovial Fluid
Uric Acid