Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is characterized by calcium deposition within rotator cuff tendons.
• This condition is a cell-mediated process, often chronic, but typically self-limiting for acute pain episodes.
• Nonoperative management remains the primary treatment strategy, achieving success in approximately 90% of cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding and management of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
• To outline treatment algorithms, including nonoperative and operative interventions.
• To discuss the indications and techniques for arthroscopic management and rotator cuff repair.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes for conservative and surgical approaches.
• Evaluation of arthroscopic techniques for deposit removal and rotator cuff repair.

Main Results:

• Nonoperative management is effective in up to 90% of patients with shoulder calcific tendinitis.
• Needling techniques or surgical removal, particularly arthroscopic management, are indicated when conservative measures fail.
• Acromioplasty should be reserved for cases with radiographic evidence of impingement.

Conclusions:

• Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a common, often self-limiting condition.
• Conservative treatment is highly successful, but arthroscopic interventions are valuable for refractory cases.
• Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff defects following calcific deposit removal is recommended to prevent tear progression and enhance healing.