Calcific Tendonitis
Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff
Understanding Calcific Tendonitis
Calcific tendonitis affects 2-7% of adults, most commonly women aged 30-60. The supraspinatus tendon is involved in 80% of cases. It causes severe shoulder pain that can come on suddenly.
Phases: Formative (calcium depositing, often asymptomatic) → Resting → Resorptive (body breaking down calcium, most painful phase) → Post-calcific healing.
Treatment Options
• NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
• Physiotherapy (maintain motion, avoid impingement)
• Corticosteroid injection (subacromial) for acute pain
• Ice and activity modification
60-70% resolve with conservative measures
Ultrasound-Guided Lavage (Barbotage): Needle aspiration and lavage of calcium deposit under ultrasound guidance. 60-75% success rate.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): High-energy shockwaves to fragment calcium. 70-80% improvement. Multiple sessions needed.
• Arthroscopic calcium removal
• May combine with subacromial decompression
• 90%+ success rate
• Recovery: 6-12 weeks