Arthropathy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

An arthropathy is a disease of a joint. Although the terms “arthropathy” and arthritis have very similar meanings, the former is traditionally used to describe the following conditions:

• Reactive arthropathy (M02-M03) is caused by an infection, but not a direct infection of the synovial space. (See also Reactive arthritis)

• Enteropathic arthropathy (M07) is caused by colitis and related conditions.

• Crystal arthropathy (also known as crystal arthritis) (M10-M11) involves the deposition of crystals in the joint.
  • In gout, the crystal is uric acid.
  • In pseudogout/chondrocalcinosis/calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, the crystal is calcium pyrophosphate.

• Diabetic arthropathy (M14.2, E10-E14) is caused by diabetes.

• Neuropathic arthropathy (M14.6) is associated with a loss of sensation.

Template:Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

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