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Treatment Protocol for Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis Using a Single-Crystal Piezoelectric Focused Shock Wave Source
Published on: December 23, 2022
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Treatment Protocol for Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis Using a Single-Crystal Piezoelectric Focused Shock Wave
Daniel Moya1, Diego Gómez2, Daniel Velóz Serrano2
1Department of Orthopaedics, Buenos Aires British Hospital; drdanielmoya@yahoo.com.ar.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|January 9, 2023
Summary
High-energy piezoelectric shock waves effectively treat shoulder calcific tendinitis. This noninvasive therapy achieved significant calcification resorption in over 90% of patients, comparable to other shock wave methods.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Focused shock wave therapy is a leading noninvasive treatment for shoulder calcific tendinitis.
- Existing shock wave generators include electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric types.
- Limited data exists on single-crystal piezoelectric generators for this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of single-crystal piezoelectric focused shock waves for treating rotator cuff calcific tendinitis.
- To compare the outcomes with previously reported shock wave modalities.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 23 patients with Gärtner type I and II rotator cuff calcifications.
- Three sessions of high-energy piezoelectric focused shock waves (4,000 pulses/session, 6 Hz frequency) were administered.
- Radiographic assessment of calcification resorption at an average 14-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Complete calcification resorption observed in 82.6% of patients.
- Partial calcification disappearance in 8.7% of cases.
- No significant changes in 8.7% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Single-crystal piezoelectric focused shock waves demonstrate high efficacy in treating shoulder calcific tendinitis.
- Treatment success rates are comparable to electrohydraulic and electromagnetic devices.
- This modality offers a viable noninvasive therapeutic option for rotator cuff calcifications.
