The first metatarsophalangeal joint in gout and asymptomatic hyperuricaemia

Gout is a painful arthritis associated with high serum urate levels (hyperuricaemia) and subsequent crystal deposition in joints. Although not all people with Asymptomatic Hyperuricaemia (AH) develop gout, crystal deposition and sub-clinical joint damage have been observed in this population. Gout most commonly affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1MTP). Existing theories suggest this may be related to the structure and functional role of the joint during gait, yet such characteristics of the 1MTP have not been investigated in people with gout or with AH. The objective of this study was to identify 1MTP characteristics in these people by comparing them with normouricaemic controls. …