Unusual location of gouty arthritis with shoulder joint involvement in an elderly male patient: a rare case report

Abstract

Introduction: Gout is a metabolic disease characterized by recurrent episodes of acute arthritis. Gout has been reported in many locations but is rarely localized in the shoulder joint. Case presentation: A 73-year-old man who visited an outpatient clinic with the main complaint of a right shoulder ache lasting 2 weeks came to our attention. The patient reports his discomfort as being of an unbearable character, happening largely at night and preventing him from falling asleep. In the previous 6 months, he had two episodes of the same ailment that lasted around 3–5 days each and spontaneously resolved. Due to the pain’s continuance without improvement, the patient now seeks medical assistance. Gout with right shoulder involvement was identified as the cause. Prednisolone 40 mg/day for 10 days, allopurinol 300 mg/day, and colchicine 0.5 mg/day were all prescribed for the patient. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient had significantly improved. Discussion and conclusions: The condition of gout affecting the shoulder joint is quite rare. According to past medical history and clinical manifestations, doctors and orthopedic surgeons should take gouty shoulder arthritis into consideration when there is serious erosion.