What is the most common type of kidney stone found in patients?

The most prevalent type of kidney stone formed in patients is calcium stones. These stones account for approximately 80% of all cases and are primarily composed of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Factors contributing to the formation of calcium stones include high dietary intake of calcium and oxalate, dehydration, certain metabolic disorders, and urinary conditions that promote crystallization.

In contrast, struvite stones, made of magnesium ammonium phosphate, are often associated with urinary tract infections and account for a smaller percentage of kidney stones. Uric acid stones occur in individuals who have high levels of uric acid in their urine, often linked to gout or a high-protein diet, and are less common than calcium stones. Cystine stones are rare and occur due to genetic disorders that affect amino acid metabolism, specifically in patients with cystinuria. Given this information, it becomes evident why calcium stones are recognized as the most prevalent type among kidney stones.