Scope

Arthritis

Arthritis

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....

 is a form of arthropathy that involves inflammation

Inflammation

Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...

 of one or more joints, while the term arthropathy may be used regardless of whether there is inflammation or not.

Spondylarthropathy is any form of arthropathy of the vertebral column

Vertebral column

In human anatomy, the vertebral column is a column usually consisting of 24 articulating vertebrae, and 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and the coccyx. It is situated in the dorsal aspect of the torso, separated by intervertebral discs...

.

Arthropathy may also include joint conditions caused by physical trauma

Physical trauma

Trauma refers to "a body wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury, as from violence or accident." It can also be described as "a physical wound or injury, such as a fracture or blow." Major trauma can result in secondary complications such as circulatory shock, respiratory failure and death...

 to joints, but is traditionally used to describe the following conditions:

• Reactive arthropathy (M02-M03) is caused by an infection
  Infection
  An infection is the colonization of a host organism by parasite species. Infecting parasites seek to use the host's resources to reproduce, often resulting in disease...
  
  , but not a direct infection of the synovial space. (See also Reactive arthritis
  Reactive arthritis
  Reactive arthritis , is classified as an autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body. Coming into contact with bacteria and developing an infection can trigger the disease. Reiter's syndrome has symptoms similar to various other conditions collectively...
  
  )

• Enteropathic arthropathy
  Enteropathic arthropathy
  Enteropathic arthropathy or arthritis refers to acute or subacute arthritis in association with or as a reaction to an enteric inflammatory condition.Causes/Associations:* Reactive arthritis...
  
  (M07) is caused by colitis
  Colitis
  In medicine, colitis refers to an inflammation of the colon and is often used to describe an inflammation of the large intestine .Colitides may be acute and self-limited or chronic, i.e...
  
   and related conditions.

• Crystal arthropathy
  Crystal arthropathy
  Crystal arthropathy refers to a type of arthropathy characterized by accumulation of crystals in joints. Polarizing microscopy and application of other crystallographic techniques have improved identification of different microcrystals including monosodium urate, calcium-pyrophosphate dihydrate,...
  
  (also known as crystal arthritis) (M10-M11) involves the deposition of crystals in the joint.
  • In gout
    Gout
    Gout is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected . However, it may also present as tophi, kidney stones, or urate...
    
    , the crystal is uric acid
    Uric acid
    Uric acid is a heterocyclic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen with the formula C5H4N4O3. It forms ions and salts known as urates and acid urates such as ammonium acid urate. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down purine nucleotides. High blood concentrations of uric acid...
    
    .
  • In pseudogout/chondrocalcinosis/calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
    Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
    Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate disease is a rheumatologic disorder with varied symptoms arising due to the accumulation of crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate in the connective tissues. It is more commonly known by alternative names that specify certain clinical or radiographic findings,...
    
    , the crystal is calcium pyrophosphate
    Calcium pyrophosphate
    Calcium pyrophosphate is a chemical compound that can be formed by the reaction of pyrophosphoric acid and a calcium base or by strongly heating calcium phosphate or calcium ammonium phosphate....
    
    .

• Diabetic arthropathy (M14.2, E10-E14) is caused by diabetes.

• Neuropathic arthropathy (M14.6) is associated with a loss of sensation.