[Involvement of the foot in metabolic diseases].

In the acute stage of gout, the hallux is most commonly involved followed by the mediotarsal joints and the Achilles tendons. Diagnosis of gout is established when typical monosodium urate crystals can be identified. Apart from NSAIDs, colchicine can be used when there is no renal impairment.

[Apatite deposition diseases].

Deposition of apatite crystals can be observed as calcific periarthritis and articular calcifications. Deposition of these crystals in the tendons and bursae of the rotator cuff of the shoulder is found in about 3% of adults; it is most of the time asymptomatic. Calcifications often totally disappear after an acute flare up.

How to keep a wet preparation of synovial fluid.

Identification of crystals in the synovial fluid (SF) is mandatory for the diagnosis of a microcrystal deposition arthropathy. In some cases, this analysis can be troublesome, especially in medical centers where a qualified practitioner is not continually present. Therefore, we investigated a method for preservation of a wet preparation of SF for 24 hours at room temperature.