Surgery for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder: A systematic review

Abstract

AIMTo systematically search literature and determine a preferable surgical procedure in patients with failed conservative treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder.METHODSThe electronic online databases MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE (through OVID), CINAHL (through EB- SCO), Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched in May 2016. Eligible for inclusion were all available studies with level II and level III evidence (LoE). Data was assessed and extracted by two independent review authors using a specifically for this study designed data extraction form.RESULTSSix studies (294 surgically treated shoulders) were included in this review. No significant differences between the three available treatment options (acromioplasty with the removal of the calcific deposits, acromioplasty or solely the removal of the calcific deposits) were detected regarding the functional and clinical outcome. The follow-up ranged from 12 mo to 5 years. Complication rates were low. No reoperations were necessary and the only reported complication was adhesive capsulitis, which in all cases could be treated conservatively with full recovery.CONCLUSIONWe found that all three available treatment options show good functional and clinical outcomes in the short and midterm. However, a favorable procedure is difficult to determine due to the lack of high-quality comparing studies.

Isolated calcific tendinitis at the posterosuperior labrum: a rare case study

“…Ultrasound-assisted needling is often used to treat calcific tendinitis because it can be performed at a relatively low cost under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. One recent systematic review [ 12 ] showed that there is a large variation between studies using ultrasound-assisted needling, thus additional high-quality studies are required for low-quality evidence. ESWT has been used as a treatment for calcific tendinitis since the 1990s.…”

Current treatment concepts of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder

“…A current literature search [31] analyzed all the articles listed in Medline, Embase, Cinahl, and Cochrane on this subjectand outof574 publications, found only 6 LoE II or III studies in which comparisons were undertaken between individual surgical procedures, but not a single study with an untreated control group. The subjective and functional success rate was between 73 and 80% with all procedures studied.…”

“…Table 2). Verstraelen [31] concludes that there is no relationship between CT and subacromial impingement.…”

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Irrigation of Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy (US-PICT): Patient Experience

“…It is demonstrated that even interventional or minor surgical procedures may be associated with a significant psychological burden in patients, potentially generating discomfort and anxiety [14]. Regarding US-PICT, the procedure is generally performed with 16-to 21-gauge needles under local anesthesia.…”