Hydroxyapatite Deposition Disease

Hydroxyapatite deposition disease HADD, a disease most commonly found in middle-aged individuals, is characterized by deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in periarticular tissues. The deposits frequently occur in tendons near their osseous attachments, most commonly involving the supraspinatus tendon. The etiology of HADD is unclear, but may be related to repetitive trauma or metabolic disease. Characteristic clinical and radiographic findings include acute or recurrent articular pain and homogenous calcified deposits in characteristic anatomic locations, respectively. The following report reviews the typical clinical presentation, possible pathophysiologic mechanisms, characteristic imaging findings, and current treatment recommendations for HADD.