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Calcific shoulder tendinitis: treatment with modified US-guided fine-needle technique
R Aina1, E Cardinal, N J Bureau
1Department of Radiology, CHUM-Hôpital Saint-Luc, 1058 Saint-Denis, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2X 3J4.
Radiology
|November 1, 2001
Summary
A modified ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle technique effectively treats calcified tendinitis of the shoulder. This minimally invasive approach significantly improved patient pain and shoulder function.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Calcified tendinitis of the shoulder is a common cause of chronic shoulder pain.
- It often proves refractory to conservative medical treatments.
- Percutaneous techniques aim to address the calcific deposits and associated pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical effectiveness of a modified ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle technique for treating shoulder calcific tendinitis.
- To evaluate patient-reported outcomes regarding pain and disability after the procedure.
Main Methods:
- Thirty patients with chronic, treatment-resistant shoulder calcific tendinitis underwent a modified US-guided fine-needle procedure.
- Patients completed a 13-item shoulder pain and disability index before treatment and at a 1-month follow-up.
- US examinations were performed at baseline and follow-up.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant improvement was observed in the total shoulder pain and disability index score (27.0%).
- Significant reductions were noted in both pain (30.5%) and disability (23.9%) subscores.
- These improvements indicate a significant clinical response to the treatment.
Conclusions:
- The modified US-guided fine-needle technique is an effective treatment for calcified tendinitis of the shoulder.
- This method is less aggressive compared to previously described percutaneous interventions.
- It offers a promising minimally invasive option for managing this condition.
