Divided into five expansive sections, this guide provides an in-depth review of crystal-induced arthritis and related disorders. Providing a historical perspective throughout, this work includes detailed descriptions of the clinical features of these diseases, as well as a current overview of their identification, epidemiology, genetics, and underlying pathophysiology. This authoritative guide also reviews case studies, current diagnostic tools, and the prevalence of these conditions while introducing new and emerging therapies for disease management.

While an emphasis on the new is vital to any science, the relevance or importance of new discoveries cannot truly be appreciated without a strong sense of the framework of a discipline, and of the ideas that helped to shape it. With this in mind, the editors of this book have attempted to create a canon of texts that formed the basis of rheumatology. Experts on the diagnosis and management of the various rheumatological conditions have chosen what they consider to be the key papers in their respective domains. Every paper is carefully described and evaluated by its strengths, its weaknesses, and its contribution to the field. Papers have been chosen that define new diseases or treatments, that have changed our whole way of thinking, or that have simply stood the test of time. The editors hope that the papers profiled in this volume will stimulate debate, encourage readers to seek out the original texts, and inspire the writers of the classics of the 21st century.

This volume reviews the state-of-the-art in osteoarthritis. The pathogenetic roles of mechanical, systemic and inflammatory factors and the importance of neurogenic factors in pain management and in the causes of disease are considered. Of particular value is the review of the implications of pathogenetic mechanisms in future modes of management. The concept of "activated arthrosis" is given special attention. Finally, controversial issues and new areas for investigation are discussed. The book will help the clinician and the investigator consider the importance of addressing different phases and subtypes of osteoarthritis in planning treatment.