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Updated: Sep 28, 2025
Treatment Protocol for Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis Using a Single-Crystal Piezoelectric Focused Shock Wave Source
Published on: December 23, 2022
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy outside the rotator cuff: short-term evaluation
Paolo Spinnato1, Federico Ponti2, Valerio D'Agostino2
1Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. paolo.spinnato1982@gmail.com.
Rationale And Objectives:
While ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation for painful calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT) is the treatment of choice for the rotator cuff, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the treatment of this condition with atypical location. The purpose of our study is to assess if US-PICT can be applied safely and successfully in atypical sites, outside of the rotator cuff.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the US-PICT performed outside the rotator cuff, in the last 5 years in a single institution. A total of 16 patients have been included in this study. We collected the values of the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain pre- and post-procedure (7 days and 3-month follow-up). Moreover, we assessed the imaging studies available pre- and post-procedure (ultrasound and plain radiography) to assess complications.
Results:
In all the 16 patients (10F, 6 M; mean age 50.2; range 24-65-year-old), no complications have been observed during and after the procedures. The mean pain NRS before treatment was 8.7 (range 10-6) and dropped to 1.1 (6-0) after 1 week as well after 3 months 1.1 (6-0). The NRS pain reduction from baseline resulted to be statistically significant after 7 days and 3 months (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Our results suggest the safety and efficacy of this procedure, underlining the great potential of US-PICT applied even in different atypical locations.
