[Bursitis calcarea--an often overlooked and falsely diagnosed illness of the hand].

OBJECTIVE

To compare surgical and conservative management in patients with acute calcific bursitis of the hand, a rare condition often misdiagnosed because of its unspecific symptoms.

METHOD: Four patients with calcific bursitis at the metacarpophalangeal or distal interphalangeal joints or the pisiform are presented. Of these, 3 underwent surgery, while one was treated conservatively. Clinical and radiological symptoms and signs are described.

RESULTS

The 3 patients treated surgically returned to work on the 10th postoperative day, while the patient who refused surgery needed rehabilitation for 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Surgery to remove the calcium deposits enables patients to resume work earlier than after conservative treatment which may take weeks.