Surgical Removal of Calcific Lesions in the Hand

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Calcific lesion of the hand is infrequently recognized, presenting with severe pain and swelling of the affected joint. The purpose of this study is to describe clinical features associated with this condition by reviewing surgically treated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in 11 patients who had operation clinical and radiographic data were collected by medical records. RESULTS: Eight patients were females and three were males with age ranging between 27-75 years (mean 48 years). By location, five cases of interphalangeal joint, three cases of metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb, two cases of carpal tunnel and one case of distal ulna area were noted. Interval between symptom presentation and operation was 9.4 month (range 6-18 month). During 10 month follow-up (range 6-12 month), recurrence had not occurred. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of calcific lesion of hand and wrist is low, it may cause severe pain and swelling. If conservative treatment fails or any nerve compression symptom develops, surgical removal of the calcific lesion is recommended.