Articular chondrocalcinosis in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of articular chondrocalcinosis in subjects aged 50 years and above in a radiographic survey through 14 primary care clinics in North Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: Over a period of 7 months extending from September 1998 to March 1999, 153 patients attending 14 primary care clinics in North Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were interviewed, examined and then requested to have radiographs of knees (anteroposterior and lateral), wrists and hands. The x-rays were read for the presence of chondrocalcinosis.

RESULTS: One hundred and fifty three subjects over the age of 50 years (90 males, 63 females) completed the requested x-rays. Six (3.9%) cases of articular chondrocalcinosis were identified in the whole age group (50-93). When age group above 60 are considered, the prevalence rises to 6.7%.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that chondrocalcinosis is not rare in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and increases with advancing age.