Windswept Deformity from Pseudogout: A Diagnostic Challenge of an Extreme Presentation, A Case Report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1513

Keywords:

Chondrocalcinosis, Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease, Global Surgery

Abstract

Background: Twenty percent of the population globally is affected by musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions significantly impair mobility and dexterity. Pseudogout is similarly a debilitating disease that significantly increases morbidity and the disability adjusted life years of a person. We report a case of pseudogout in its advanced stage, causing total joint destruction of the knees and shoulders that manifested and presented as a windswept deformity.

The Case: Our patient is a 69-year-old man who complained of bilateral knee pain, shoulder pain during active flexion, and an obvious knee deformity. His familial history was not significant, and there was no history of injuries, infection, or congenital diseases. His knees were severely deformed, with extremely laxed collateral ligaments. Both of his shoulders had a limited range of movement with coarse crepitation on passive movement. X-ray of his knees showed a destroyed joint, reduced joint space, subchondral cysts, and chondrocalcinosis. X-ray of his shoulder joint showed a subluxated joint, subchondral cyst, and subchondral sclerosis. His joint aspirate was positive for rhomboid crystals in the birefringence test, consistent with pseudogout. Joint replacement surgery is the definitive management for this disease, but the patient and caretaker were not able to afford the implants.

Conclusion: We discussed the diagnosis of pseudogout in this patient and how the policies in place do not provide adequate coverage for these populations. This marginalizes those who need surgery and limits their access to affordable surgical care when needed.

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References

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Published

2022-11-18 — Updated on 2023-03-31

How to Cite

Ng, Y. J., & Velanthren, K. (2023). Windswept Deformity from Pseudogout: A Diagnostic Challenge of an Extreme Presentation, A Case Report. International Journal of Medical Students, 11(1), 71–75. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1513

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Case Report

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Copyright (c) 2022 Yuki Julius Ng, Kauseliya Velanthren

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