Images in medicine - Gouty arthritis

Gout is a disorder of uric acid metabolism, characterised by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and periarticular soft tissues as well as renal calculi and chronic nephropathy. The accumulation of crystals in the joints and periarticular soft tissue may cause recurrent episodes inflammatory arthritis. Over the years chronic form may occur with presence of tophi and chronic arthropathy frequently in peripheral and rarely in axial joints. Surgical intervention is usually reserved for cases of recurrent attacks with deformities, severe pain and joint destructions