Arthroscopic Treatment of Calcifying Tendinitis of the Rotator Cuff

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results from arthroscopic surgical treatment of the rotator cuff in patients with calcifying tendinitis. Method: A retrospective study was conducted on twenty patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder between March 1999 and November 2005. Six patients were excluded due to loss of follow-up. The average follow-up period was 41.4 months. Eight patients (57%) were female and six (43%) were male. The right side was affected in 10 cases (71%) and the left in four cases (29%). Nine cases (64%) had calcification in the supraspinatus tendon, two (14%) in the infraspinatus tendon, and three (21%) in both tendons. Results: In all cases, resection of the calcium deposits was performed by means of a needle (Jelco® No. 14) in combination with curettage (mini-curette). Two shoulders (14%) underwent subacromial decompression, and one (7%) underwent excision of the distal clavicle. A tendon-tendon suture was performed in three shoulders (21%). None of the patients underwent tendon-bone reinsertion. The mean score obtained on the UCLA scale was 33 points (26-35), thus indicating that a majority of patients had good results. In the final radiographic evaluation, none of the patients showed signs of calcification. Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder safely allows excision of the calcification, leading to good results in relation to shoulder pain and function.

Calcifying Tendinitis of Shoulder: A Concise Review

“…This study also shows that surgery group of patients have early recovery within 5 months average for ADLS with less frequency of partial or complete tears in contrast with 20 months in Conservative group. Studies comparing Needling & Arthoscopic lavage Vs Arthroscopic removal 42 shows both having better similar functional outcome and early recovery.…”

“…There are number of studies reporting excellent results with arthroscopic excision of deposits. [42][43][44][45] Ogon et al described the negative prognostic factors that may require early surgical intervention. 6 4.4.1.…”

“…6 4.4.1. Technique [42][43][44] The procedure is carried out with patient lying down in a beach chair position at edge of the table. Standard posterior portal is established and glenohumeral joint evaluation done.…”