Calcific tendinitis of the rectus femoris

This article describes calcific tendinitis of the rectus femoris treated with a local injection of a mixture of steroid and local anesthetic under C-arm control. From March 2004 to May 2005, 6 patients were treated for calcific tendinitis of the rectus femoris at our institution and followed for at least 2 years. The male:female ratio was 1:5, and mean patient age was 41 years (range, 33-49 years). Calcifications were located in the direct head in 1 patient and in the reflected head of the rectus femoris in 5. One patient underwent open surgical removal and 5 were treated with a local steroid and anesthetic injection. The patient undergoing surgical removal obtained immediate pain relief but reported discomfort in the wound area for 10 days postoperatively. The 5 patients receiving injections achieved dramatic pain relief within 2 days; follow-up radiographs revealed complete calcification disappearance within 16 weeks of treatment in all 5. No patient had experienced recurrence or complications at >2-year follow-up. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment with a local injection of a mixture of steroid and local anesthetic under C-arm control successfully relieved symptoms and facilitated a return to normality.