ACUTE CALCIFIC BURSITIS OF THE HAND - AN OFTEN OVERLOOKED AND MISDIAGNOSED CONDITION

Objective: To compare surgical and conservative management in patients with acute calcific bursitis of the hand, a rare condition often misd iagnosed because of its unspecific symptoms. Method: Four patients wit h calcific bursitis at the metacarpophalangeal or distal interphalange al joints or the pisiform are presented. Of these, 3 underwent surgery , while one was treated conservatively. Clinical and radiological symp toms and signs are described. Results: The 3 patients treated surgical ly returned to work on the 10th postoperative day, while the patient w ho refused surgery needed rehabilitation for 4 weeks. Conclusion: Surg ery to remove the calcium deposits enables patients to resume work ear lier than after conservative treatment which may take weeks.