Arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

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Abstract

The results of arthroscopic treatment of chronic resistant calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in twenty-three patients were evaluated. Each patient had >1 year of unsuccessful nonoperative management prior to arthroscopic surgery. The average age was 49 years (range 33–60) and average follow up was 26 months (range 12–47). Subacromial bursectomy was performed in all patients. Based on follow-up radiographs, thirteen patients had partial calcium removal while nine had complete removal of calcium. Results were graded as good in eleven patients (50%) with full motion and oomplete pain relief, satisfactory in nine (41%) patients with full motion and occasional episodes of pain, and unsatisfactory in two (9%) patients with persistent pain. Arthroscopic calcium removal and subacromial bursectomy are reasonable alternatives in the treatment of chronic calcific tendinitis resistant to conservative treatment.

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