CALCIFIC TENDINITIS

Calcific tendonitis is characterised by the accumulation of calcium deposits in muscles or tendons. These deposits may become inflamed, resulting in significant pain. Although calcific tendonitis can develop in various regions of the body, it most frequently affects the shoulder. As the deposits increase in size or become irritated, pain typically intensifies.

What causes of Calcific Tendonitis?

Calcific tendonitis refers to the calcification of tendons, commonly presenting as stiffness and pain in the shoulder. Individuals between the ages of forty and sixty are at increased risk for this condition. The ageing process, along with cumulative wear and tear, may contribute to its development. Typical signs include:

• Stiff and painful shoulder
• Intensifying shoulder pain and limited shoulder movement
• Intense pain that interferes with sleeping patterns
• Limited range of motion
• Tenderness in the rotator cuff

What is the treatment for Calcific Tendonitis?

In most cases, calcific tendonitis is managed with steroid injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy.

Additional treatment options for calcific tendonitis include the following:

• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment that delivers shockwaves directly to the affected tendons to reduce pain and promote healing.
• Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) aims to alleviate pain and encourage healing.
• Lavage treatment involves inserting a needle into the calcium deposit and administering saline to fragment the deposit.
• Therapeutic ultrasound uses a handheld device to deliver high-frequency sound waves to the affected area, aiming to break down calcium deposits.
• Surgical intervention, reserved for severe cases, involves the manual removal of calcium deposits.

What are the surgical treatments for Calcific Tendinitis?

Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms or when calcium deposits are large and severely limit shoulder movement.

Arthroscopic Calcific Deposit Removal
Arthroscopic surgery (keyhole surgery) is the most common surgical treatment for calcific tendinitis. Small incisions are made around the shoulder, allowing specialized instruments and a camera (arthroscope) to remove calcium deposits with minimal tissue disruption.

Rotator Cuff Repair
If the calcium deposits have damaged the rotator cuff tendon, a rotator cuff repair may be performed during surgery to restore tendon strength and shoulder function.

Subacromial Decompression
In some cases, subacromial decompression surgery may be performed to create more space within the shoulder joint and reduce irritation caused by inflammation and calcium buildup.

Open Shoulder Surgery
For severe or complex cases, open surgery may be required to manually remove calcium deposits and repair damaged tissue through a larger incision.

Early detection of calcific tendonitis can facilitate timely resolution. Routine follow-up appointments, particularly for individuals with a prior diagnosis, are essential to monitor optimal healing.

It’s important to act quickly and not delay treatment as soon as you begin to notice signs of shoulder stiffness, pain, and other discomfort that interfere with daily living and sleep.