Which type of stone is most commonly associated with urinary tract calculi?

Calcium oxalate stones are the most commonly associated type of stone when it comes to urinary tract calculi. These stones form when there is an excess of calcium in the urine, which can occur due to various factors including dietary habits, metabolic disorders, and even dehydration.

Calcium oxalate crystallization is favored in acidic urine, and the stones can be either monohydrate or dihydrate forms. Given their high prevalence, they account for a significant proportion of all urinary stones.

In contrast, other types of stones, such as uric acid, cystine, and struvite stones, are less common and have specific associations or conditions that facilitate their formation. Uric acid stones are linked to high purine diets and conditions that lead to increased uric acid. Cystine stones occur in individuals with cystinuria, a genetic condition. Struvite stones are often associated with urinary tract infections caused by urease-producing bacteria, leading to the alkaline environment that facilitates their development.

Overall, calcium oxalate stones' frequency and the underlying factors contributing to their formation make them the most common type associated with urinary tract calculi.