Milwaukee Shoulder Syndrome (apatite-associated destructive arthritis) is a rheumatological condition similar to Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD), and is the result of periarticular or intraarticular deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals. Crystal deposition in the joint causes the release of collagenases, serine proteases, elastases, and interleukin-1. This precipitates acute and rapid decline in joint function and degradation of joint anatomy. Subsequently disruption of the rotator cuff ensues [1] [2] Along with symptomatology, the disease typically presents with positive radiologic findings, often showing marked erosion of the humoral head, cartilage, capsule, and bursae. Though rare, it is most often seen in elderly females beginning in the fifth or sixth decade of life. Diagnosis is made with arthrocentesis and Alizarin Red staining along with clinical symptoms [3].
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The following factors have been found to predispose an individual to Milwaukee Shoulder Syndrome [4]:
Symptoms may include:
Treatment may include the prescription of: