Property analysis of ectopic calcification in the carpal tunnel identification of apatite crystals: a case report.
BACKGROUND
A 64-year-old woman presented with symptoms of subacute exacerbation of a year-long carpal tunnel syndrome that was caused by a large calcified mass in the tunnel.


CONCLUSIONS
The resected mass consisted of very tiny rods, and x-ray diffraction analysis, as well as the component analysis using energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis, revealed the mass to be most compatible with apatite. The back-scattered electron images suggested that precipitation might be a mechanism for development of the calcified mass.
Department of Orthopaedics, Toyoshina Red Cross Hospital, Japan.
Kunihiro
K
Sensui
Satoru
S
Saitoh
Kiyokazu
K
Kametani
Kuniaki
K
Makino
Masayoshi
M
Ohira
Teiji
T
Kimura
Goh Ah
GA
Cheng
Yukihiko
Y
Hata
D001031:Apatites / Q000032:analysis*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications*; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000737:chemistry / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*
D001031:Apatites