Acute Calcific Periarthritis of the Hand and Elbows in Women. A Study and Review of the Literature

Objective: To study the clinical and radiological features of acute calcific periarthritis (ACP) of the hand and elbow in women and to review the literature.

Methods: A retrospective study of ACP of the hand and elbow was conducted in 10 women, and the literature since 1970 reviewed, using Medline data.

Results: Ten women fulfilled the criteria of a single focus ACP. Mean age was 36.5 years (range 25-53). X-ray diffraction in 3 patients who underwent aspiration biopsy showed a pattern of calcium hydroxyapatite. The clinical course was short and self-limited. Most cases mimicked septic conditions and were initially misdiagnosed. All patients demonstrated gradual resolution of calcific deposits after 1-3 weeks.

Conclusions: We conclude that calcific tendinitis of the hand and elbow is a self-limiting disease affecting mainly pre or perimenopausal women.