Aspiration of Tendinous Calcific Deposits

Needle aspiration of tendinous calcific deposits under fluoroscopic control may be a valuable tool in selected cases of painful shoulders with chronic and debilitating pain resistant to medical treatment. This article reviews the technique and results of this treatment. The aims of this procedure are (1) to evacuate a maximum amount of calcium; (2) to fragment the residual calcific deposits to facilitate its resorption during the following weeks; (3) to reduce the inflammation secondary to the presence and migration of residual calcific deposits by in situ injection of corticosteroids. Good results are obtained in 61Ð74% of cases. Surgical treatment should be restricted to failures of needle aspiration.