[Apatite tenosynovitis of the hand].

Three cases of apatite tenosynovitis of the hands are presented. This rare condition has often a dramatic outset with an intense inflammation that could suggest an infectious process. The radiographic feature is characteristic, and the examination of the material removed from synovial sheath or from calcific deposits allows apatite crystals to be identified. The process is self-limited, but immobilization and local infiltrations of steroids shorten the duration of disability.