Calcific Tendinitis Impormasyon In-depth

Ang pahinang ito ay isinalin ng makina at hindi pa nasusuri ng isang doktor. Ang bersyong Ingles ang siyang opisyal.

Ang iyong nararamdaman

Ang calcific tendinitis ay nangyayari kapag may naipong calcium sa loob ng isa sa mga tendon ng iyong rotator cuff, ang grupo ng mga tendon na humahawak sa iyong balikat at nagpapahintulot sa iyong iangat ang iyong braso. Ang deposito ay madalas na nabubuo sa supraspinatus tendon, na matatagpuan sa itaas ng iyong balikat at gumagawa ng malaking bahagi ng trabaho kapag itinataas mo ang iyong braso nang patagilid.

Ang sakit ay karaniwang sa isang panig lamang, at madalas itong dumarating nang biglaan at malala. Para sa maraming tao, ito ay pinakamalala sa gabi at maaaring regular na gumising sa iyo. Ang pag-abot paitaas ang karaniwang pinakamahirap na galaw: pag-angat ng plato sa isang mataas na istante, pagsasampay ng labada sa tali, o paghila ng jumper sa iyong ulo. May ilang tao rin na nahihirapang humiga sa apektadong balikat.

Ito ay pinakakaraniwan sa mga kababaihan sa pagitan ng 30 at 60, ngunit maaari itong makaapekto sa kahit sino. Sa humigit-kumulang 10% ng mga tao, ang mga deposito ay lumilitaw sa parehong balikat. Humigit-kumulang 20% ng mga taong may kondisyong ito ay walang nararamdaman at malalaman lamang ito nang hindi sinasadya. Ang mas maliit na bilang ay may hindi gaanong tipikal na pattern, kung saan ang sakit ay nasa likod ng balikat sa halip na sa gilid, na maaari pa ring makaapekto sa paggalaw paitaas.

Ang mabuting balita ay karamihan sa mga kaso ay gumagaling nang walang operasyon. Ang non-operative treatment ang karaniwang unang hakbang, at karamihan sa mga tao ay bumubuti rito. Ang ultrasound treatment ay maaaring makatulong sa pagdurog ng calcium at pagpapagaan ng mga sintomas sa panandaliang panahon. Ang shock wave treatment ay nag-aalis din ng sakit at tumutulong sa balikat na gumana nang mas mabuti, na may napakakaunting komplikasyon.

Ang operasyon ay karaniwang inilalaan para sa mga taong ang sakit ay hindi nawawala sa ibang gamutan. Kapag ganoon ang kaso, ang operasyon ay nagbibigay ng mabuting resulta sa 88.5% ng mga pasyente. Ang mas malalaking deposito, yaong mga higit sa 1 cm, ay mas malamang na mangailangan ng operasyon.

Kung ang iyong mga sintomas ay tumagal na ng ilang buwan, na nakaaapekto sa iyong pagtulog at sa iyong kakayahang magtrabaho, ito ay isang karaniwang karanasan sa kondisyong ito at nararapat na banggitin sa iyong surgeon.

Ano ang aktwal na nangyayari

Ang tendon ay isang matibay na kawad na nagdurugtong sa kalamnan (muscle) sa buto. Sa iyong balikat, ang mga rotator cuff tendon ay gumagana na parang mga lubid na humihila sa iyong braso pataas at paikot. Sa calcific tendinitis, nabubuo ang mga calcium crystal sa loob ng isa sa mga lubid na iyon, karaniwan ay sa supraspinatus tendon sa itaas ng iyong balikat. Ang deposito ay nakapwesto mga 1.5 hanggang 2 cm mula sa kung saan nakakabit ang tendon sa buto ng iyong itaas na braso.

Ang calcium ay naiipon sa mga yugto. Una, ang mga tendon cell ay nagbabago tungo sa mga cell na kahawig ng cartilage, ang madulas na tissue na nagsisilbing cushion sa mga joint. Pagkatapos ay nailalapag ang calcium sa loob ng nabagong tissue na iyon, at dahan-dahang lumalaki ang deposito. Maaari itong manatiling tahimik sa loob ng ilang panahon, na nagdudulot ng kaunti o walang problema. Ang masakit na bahagi ay madalas na nangyayari kapag sinimulan na ng katawan na sirain ang deposito at sipsipin ito. Ang resorption phase na iyon ay nauugnay sa biglaan at sobrang tinding sakit na inilarawan sa itaas, kabilang ang sakit na gumigising sa iyo sa gabi.

Hindi sigurado ang mga doktor kung bakit ito nangyayari sa ilang tao at hindi sa iba. Ang mga problema sa hormones at metabolismo ay madalas na lumilitaw kasabay ng kondisyong ito, at maaaring may kinalaman ang mga ito, bagaman hindi pa alam kung paano eksakto. Ang mga deposito mismo ay gawa sa chalky calcium material, ang parehong pamilya ng mineral na matatagpuan sa buto.

Ipinapaliwanag din ng deposito kung bakit mahirap ang paggalaw. Ang namamagang, sensitibong tendon ay nakapwesto sa ilalim ng isang maliit na espasyo sa itaas ng iyong balikat, na may fluid-filled cushioning sac sa itaas nito. Kapag itinaas mo ang iyong braso palabas sa gilid, ang lahat sa espasyong iyon ay naiipit, kaya ang pag-abot pataas at pagsasampay ng labada ang mga paggalaw na pinakamasakit. Ang pagpihit ng iyong braso palabas ay karaniwang hindi apektado, ngunit ang pagtaas nito nang patagilid ay madalas na bahagyang limitado.

Karamihan sa mga depositong ito ay kusa ring nawawala sa kalaunan, kaya naman nauuna ang non-operative treatment. Isinasaalang-alang ang operasyon kapag ang sakit ay hindi humuhupa sa kabila ng iba pang gamutan.

Ano ang maaari naming gawin tungkol dito

Si Dr Kieran Hirpara, isang upper-limb surgeon sa Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, ay nagsisimula sa mga opsyon na hindi gaanong invasive na angkop sa iyong kondisyon. Ang mga pasyente ay karaniwang nirerefer sa aming klinika ng kanilang GP; kung iminungkahi ng isang physiotherapist na magpatingin sa amin, kakailanganin mo pa rin ng referral mula sa iyong GP upang maging eligible para sa Medicare rebate. Sa iyong unang pagbisita, kumukuha kami ng history, sinusuri ang iyong balikat at nagsasaayos ng imaging kung saan ito kinakailangan. Ang ultrasound ay isang simple at tumpak na pagsusuri para mahanap ang mga calcium deposit sa rotator cuff. Ang mga X-ray ay madalas na sapat na upang planuhin ang iyong pangangalaga, at pinapanatili namin ang imaging sa kung ano lamang ang tunay na kapaki-pakinabang.

Karamihan sa mga kaso ng calcific tendinitis ay gumagaling nang walang operasyon. Ang unang hakbang ay karaniwang pahinga gamit ang isang sling, kasama ang physiotherapy upang panatilihing gumagalaw ang balikat at muling mabuo ang lakas habang nababawasan ang sakit. Ang mga anti-inflammatory tablet ay maaaring magpakalma sa sakit habang inaayos ng katawan ang deposit. Sa karamihan ng mga kaso, ang matinding sakit ng isang flare-up ay humuhupa sa loob ng pito hanggang sampung araw, bagaman ang calcium mismo ay maaari pa ring lumabas sa X-ray pagkatapos nito. Karaniwan naming binibigyan ng sapat na pagkakataon ang simpleng gamutan bago lumipat sa anumang mas invasive.

Kung ang mga simpleng hakbang ay hindi sapat, maaari kaming mag-alok ng mga gamutan na target ang deposit mismo. Ang isang opsyon ay ang injection ng corticosteroid sa bursa, ang cushioning sac na puno ng likido sa itaas ng tendon. Ang isa pa ay shock wave therapy, kung saan ang mga sound wave ay ididirekta sa deposit mula sa labas ng katawan. Binabawasan nito ang sakit at tinutulungan ang balikat na gumana nang mas mabuti, na may napakakaunting komplikasyon. Ang ikatlong opsyon ay ultrasound-guided needling, kung saan gumagamit ng karayom upang durugin at hugasan ang calcium sa ilalim ng gabay ng ultrasound. Parehong pinabuti ng needling at shock wave therapy ang mga sintomas at tinanggal ang mga calcium deposit. Pagkatapos ng isang taon, humigit-kumulang 40% ng mga tao ay wala nang mga reklamo sa alinman sa dalawang gamutan. Ang needling ay nagpakita ng mas malaking pagbuti sa shoulder scores sa unang anim na linggo, ngunit pagdating ng isang taon ay wala nang pagkakaiba sa pagitan ng dalawa. Halos lahat ng pasyenteng sumailalim sa needling ay pipiliin itong muli, kumpara sa 44% ng mga sumailalim sa shock wave therapy.

Ang operasyon ay isinasaalang-alang kapag ang mga gamutang ito ay hindi nagbigay ng sapat na ginhawa. Isinasaalang-alang namin ang operasyon lamang matapos mabigo ang mga non-invasive na opsyon, dahil ang anumang operasyon ay mas invasive kaysa sa mga alternatibo. Ang operasyon ay ginagawa sa pamamagitan ng mga keyhole incision, at tinatanggal nito ang calcium deposit mula sa tendon. Kung ang rotator cuff tendon mismo ay labis na apektado, kinukumpuni namin ito sa parehong pagkakataon. Pag-uusapan namin kung makatwiran ang operasyon para sa iyo bilang isang shared decision, tinitimbang ang inaasahan mong mabawi laban sa kung ano ang kinapapalooban ng bawat opsyon.

Ano ang dapat asahan

Para sa karamihan ng mga tao, ang calcific tendinitis ay dumadaan sa natural nitong proseso at humuhupa. Ang calcium deposit ay self-limiting, na nangangahulugang kalaunan ay kayang solusyunan ito ng iyong katawan nang mag-isa. Maraming deposit ang nasisira at nawawala kahit walang anumang gamutan. Ang mga simpleng hakbang tulad ng pahinga, physiotherapy at mga anti-inflammatory tablet ay karaniwang tumutulong sa iyo sa panahon ng pananakit, at sa karamihan ng mga kaso, ang flare-up ay humuhupa sa loob ng pito hanggang sampung araw.

Gayunpaman, ang kondisyong ito ay maaaring maging matagal mawala. Ang ilang mga deposit ay nananatiling tahimik sa loob ng maraming buwan bago magdulot ng problema, at ang iba naman ay paulit-ulit na bumabalik o nagdudulot ng mga sintomas na nagtatagal. Kung ang iyong pananakit ay nagpatuloy nang lampas sa unang ilang linggo, ito ay isang kinikilalang pattern sa kondisyong ito sa halip na isang palatandaan na may bagong mali. Mahalagang sabihin sa iyong surgeon kung gaano na katagal ang iyong mga sintomas, dahil ang gamutan ay may tendensiyang mas epektibo sa unang bahagi ng kondisyon. Ang mga deposit na mas maliit at nagdudulot ng mga sintomas sa loob ng sampung buwan o mas mababa pa ang mga may pinakamataas na posibilidad na tumugon sa shock wave treatment.

Kung pipiliin mo ang non-operative path, ang paggaling ay karaniwang unti-unti sa halip na biglaan. Ang ultrasound treatment at shock wave therapy ay parehong maaaring magpababa ng sakit at tumulong upang mas gumana nang maayos ang balikat sa mga sumunod na linggo. Ang needle washing ng deposit ay maaaring magbigay ng ginhawa sa short term at long term, at ito ay bahagyang invasive lamang. Kung kinakailangan ang operasyon, asahan ang mabagal na pag-unlad sa halip na mabilis na lunas. Ang function ng balikat pagkatapos ng keyhole surgery ay unti-unting bumubuti, kung saan ang mga score ay umaabot ng higit sa 75 porsyento ng normal sa loob ng anim na buwan pagkatapos ng operasyon.

May ilang bagay na mahalagang malaman habang tinitimbang mo ang lahat. Ang MRI scan ay maaaring makakita ng mga rotator cuff tear kasabay ng calcium deposit nang mas madalas kaysa sa iminumungkahi ng mga lumang metodo, kaya maaaring suriin ito ng iyong surgeon. Karamihan ng mga tao ay gumagaling sa conservative treatment, kung saan 72% ang nakakamit ng mabuti o mahusay na resulta, at ang operasyon ay nariyan bilang backup para sa maliit na bahagi na hindi tumutugon sa gamutan.

Kailan dapat magpatingin

Magpatingin sa iyong GP kung mayroon kang biglaan at malalang pananakit ng balikat na dumating nang walang pinsala, lalo na kung ito ay pinakamalala sa gabi at gumigising sa iyo. Humingi ng pagsusuri ng isang espesyalista kung ang pananakit ay tumagal na ng ilang buwan, pumipigil sa iyong pagtulog o pagtatrabaho, o kung ang simpleng gamutan ay hindi nakatulong. Ganoon din kung ang iyong pananakit ay nasa likod ng balikat sa halip na sa gilid, dahil ang hindi gaanong karaniwang pattern na ito ay madaling makaligtaan. At kung wala kang nararamdaman ngunit nakakita ng calcium sa isang balikat sa mga scan, maaari mo itong obserbahan na lamang.

Higit pang detalye

Advanced reading: the deeper science (optional)

Ang seksyong ito ay higit pa sa kailangan mo para sa iyong sariling mga desisyon sa paggamot. Ang calcific tendinitis ay karapat-dapat sa karagdagang pagbabasa dahil kumikilos ito nang naiiba sa karamihan ng mga kondisyon sa balikat: ang deposito ay karaniwan sa mga taong walang nararamdamang sakit, karaniwang tinutunaw ito ng katawan nang walang tulong, at ang paggamot na nag-aalis ng calcium ay hindi ang paggamot na pinakamabilis na nagpapaginhawa sa sakit.

Ang deposit ay isang karaniwang natuklasan, hindi awtomatikong isang diagnosis

Ang isang calcium deposit na naiulat sa iyong scan ay madaling basahin bilang sanhi ng problema, dahil ito ay nakikita at ang sakit ay totoo. Pinakomplikado ito ng mga prevalence data. Sa mga 1,219 na matatanda, ang mga deposit ay naroon sa 7.8% ng mga taong walang sintomas at 42.5% ng mga may subacromial pain syndrome [1]. Sa isang hiwalay na serye ng 302 na mga balikat, ang mga deposit ay madalas sa pangkalahatang populasyon at mga isang katlo lamang ang masakit [2].

Kaya ang deposit ay nagpapataas ng probabilidad na ito ang pinagmumulan, nang malaki, ngunit humigit-kumulang isa sa labintatlong walang sakit na mga balikat ay mayroon din nito. Ang tila naglilipat sa isang deposit mula sa pagiging silent patungo sa symptomatic ay bahagyang ang laki at posisyon: ang pinakamataas na posibilidad ng tunay na symptomatic disease ay nasa mga kababaihang may edad 30 hanggang 60 na may subacromial pain at may deposit na mas mahaba sa 1.5 cm [1], at ang sakit ay may kinalaman sa lokasyon sa supraspinatus at sa pagkakasangkot ng higit sa isang tendon [2].

Karaniwan itong natutunaw, at iyon ang humuhubog sa lahat

Ang natural na takbo ay patungo sa resorption, kung kaya't maraming paggamot ang tila gumagana. Ang pinakamalinaw na halimbawa ay nagmula sa isang randomised trial kung saan ang bawat pasyente ay sumailalim sa needling at lavage at pagkatapos ay na-randomise sa isang steroid o saline injection: sa loob ng labindalawang buwan, ang calcification ay na-resorb sa 83% ng saline group at 74% ng steroid group [3].

Basahin iyan nang mabuti, dahil naglalaman ito ng counter-intuitive na resulta. Ang steroid ay nagpahusay sa sakit sa loob ng anim na linggo at sa function sa loob ng tatlong buwan, at walang makabuluhang epekto kung nawala ba ang calcium [3]. Ang pagkawala ng sakit at ang paglinis ng calcium ay magkahiwalay na proseso. Ang isang paggamot ay maaaring magbigay ng isa nang wala ang isa, at ang nakikitang bagay sa scan ay hindi ang bagay na nagpapatakbo ng mga sintomas linggo-linggo.

Kaya naman ang mga non-operative na opsyon ay may magkakatulad na resulta

Kung ang deposit ay malaki nang nawawala anuman ang mangyari, ang mga gamutan ay naglalayong gawing tolerable ang interval sa halip na gamutin ito nang lubos. Iyan ang ipinapakita ng mga paghahambing. Sa 257 na pasyente, ang physical therapy, corticosteroid injection at ultrasound-guided barbotage ay nagresulta sa magkakatulad na rate ng pag-iwas sa operasyon [4]. Sa 239 na pasyente, ang parehong tatlong approach ay naging matagumpay sa malaking bahagi, kung saan ang physiotherapy lamang ang may pinakamataas na failure rate [5].

Sa mga procedural na opsyon, ang high-energy shockwave therapy ang pinaka-masusing pinag-aralang minimally invasive treatment at napatunayang ligtas at epektibo sa short to medium term, habang ang ultrasound-guided needling ay hindi napatunayang superior sa isang ultrasound-guided subacromial injection [6]. Sa pagsasama-sama ng 1,258 na pasyente, ang shockwave, needling at arthroscopy ay lahat nagbigay ng mabuting clinical outcomes [7], at ang barbotage sa 908 na pasyente ay ligtas na may mataas na success rate ngunit hindi pa kailanman naihambing nang head-to-head laban sa iba pang pangunahing opsyon [8].

Ano ang idinaragdag ng operasyon, na nakasaad nang tumpak

Ang operasyon ay hindi walang bentahe, at ang laki nito ay mas mahalagang banggitin kaysa ilarawan. Sa pagsasama-sama ng 2,352 na pasyente mula sa mga randomised trial, ang surgical treatment ay nagresulta sa mas malaking pagbuti sa functional scores at katulad na pagbawas ng sakit kumpara sa non-operative treatment, partikular na ang ultrasound-guided needling, kung saan ang parehong pamamaraan ay nakamit ang clinically significant improvement [9]. Sa pagitan ng mga surgical technique mismo, walang makabuluhang pagkakaiba, at ang pagtanggal lamang ng deposit ay nagpakita ng katulad na resulta sa pagtanggal nito kasama ang subacromial decompression [10].

Ang pagkakaiba ng function-versus-pain ang kapaki-pakinabang na detalye. Kung sakit ang pangunahing reklamo, ang ebidensya ay hindi malinaw na pumapabor sa operasyon. Kung paninigas at pagkawala ng function ang nangingibabaw at nagpatuloy, mas pumapabor ito rito.

Ang asosasyon na madalas nakakaligtaan

Ang calcific tendinitis ay hindi pantay ang distribusyon. Sa 102 na pasyente, ang mga may kaugnay na endocrine disorder, pangunahin na ang sakit sa thyroid at diabetes, ay nagkaroon ng mga sintomas sa mas batang edad, nagkaroon ng signipikanteng mas matagal na kurso, at mas madalas na nangailangan ng operasyon [11].

Karapat-dapat itong banggitin sa iyong GP kung ang iyong kurso ay naging hindi pangkaraniwang haba o nagsimula nang maaga, hindi dahil ang paggamot sa endocrine condition ay nakakalutas sa balikat, kundi dahil binabago nito kung ano ang itsura ng isang makatotohanang timeline. Ang pagsasabing ang isang kondisyon ay self-limiting ay mahirap itugma sa dalawang taon ng pananakit; ang endocrine association ay isang paliwanag kung bakit ang karaniwang pagpapanatag ng loob ay hindi angkop sa bawat kaso.

Mga Sanggunian

[1] Louwerens JK, Sierevelt IN, van Hove RP, van den Bekerom MP, van Noort A. Prevalence of calcific deposits within the rotator cuff tendons in adults with and without subacromial pain syndrome: clinical and radiologic analysis of 1219 patients. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(10):1588-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2015.02.024

[2] Sansone V, Consonni O, Maiorano E, Meroni R, Goddi A. Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: the correlation between pain and imaging features in symptomatic and asymptomatic female shoulders. Skeletal Radiol. 2015;45(1):49-55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-015-2240-3

[3] Darrieutort-Laffite C, Varin S, Coiffier G, Albert J, Planche L, Maugars Y, et al. Are corticosteroid injections needed after needling and lavage of calcific tendinitis? Randomised, double-blind, non-inferiority trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019;78(6):837-43. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214971

[4] Gilbert R, Dadoo S, Lin R, Bhardwaj N, McMahon S, Steuer F, et al. Comparison of physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and ultrasound-guided barbotage for nonoperative management of calcific tendinitis. Orthop J Sports Med. 2026;14(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671261434919

[5] Drummond M, Ayinon C, Lin A, Dunn R. Relative efficacy of three nonsurgical treatments for calcific tendinitis: physical therapy vs steroid injection vs barbotage. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021;9(7_suppl4). https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967121S00210

[6] Louwerens JK, Sierevelt IN, van Noort A, van den Bekerom MP. Evidence for minimally invasive therapies in the management of chronic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1240-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2014.02.002

[7] Louwerens JK, Veltman ES, van Noort A, van den Bekerom MP. The effectiveness of high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus ultrasound-guided needling versus arthroscopic surgery in the management of chronic calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review. Arthroscopy. 2015;32(1):165-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2015.06.049

[8] Gatt DL, Charalambous CP. Ultrasound-guided barbotage for calcific tendonitis of the shoulder: a systematic review including 908 patients. Arthroscopy. 2014;30(9):1166-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2014.03.013

[9] Angileri HS, Gohal C, Comeau-Gauthier M, Owen MM, Shanmugaraj A, Terry MA, et al. Chronic calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing operative and nonoperative interventions. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2023;32(8):1746-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2023.03.017

[10] Anam E, Zahran S, Roy A, Daneshvar P, Bicknell RT, Janssen I. Surgical approaches of shoulder calcific tendonitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2024;4(3):353-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.03.013

[11] Harvie P, Pollard TC, Carr AJ. Calcific tendinitis: natural history and association with endocrine disorders. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16(2):169-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2006.06.007


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

Non-Operative Management

  • Conservative treatment is the primary choice for calcific tendinitis, especially in patients with acute calcific tendinitis [22].
  • Conservative treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder showed clinically significant improvement, with 72% of excellent or good results regardless of the location, radiologic type and size, and initial symptoms of calcific deposits [8].
  • Ultrasound treatment helps resolve calcifications and is associated with short-term clinical improvement in patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder [1].
  • Treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder with shock waves has produced a high rate of success in pain relief and functional restoration with negligible associated complications [9].
  • Patients with calcific lesions >1 cm had a 2.8 increased likelihood to undergo operative treatment in the setting of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder [4].

Operative Management

  • Surgical treatment of calcific tendinitis gives good results in 88.5% of patients resistant to medical treatment [11].
  • Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis provides good to excellent clinical results [17].
  • Arthroscopic removal of calcification leads to improved clinical outcomes in patients with chronic calcific tendinitis, but at least 6 months of follow-up is needed for these improvements to become statistically significant [13].
  • Patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of a calcific deposit in the shoulder had satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes at the final follow-up, with functional scores improving slowly and reaching more than 75 percent at six months after surgery [14].
  • Endoscopic and open surgery are equally effective in the treatment of chronic calcifying tendinopathy, showing similar clinical and sonographic results [33].
  • Routine diagnostic glenohumeral exploration does not appear beneficial in arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinitis due to the low prevalence of intraarticular pathologies which most frequently do not require surgical treatment [19].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Epidemiology and Demographics

  • Calcific tendon deposits of the shoulder are a frequent occurrence in the general population, although only one third are painful [2].
  • In approximately 20% of cases, subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy are asymptomatic [7].
  • Subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy were often female aged between 30 and 60 [7].
  • Women are approximately 1.5 times more often affected than men [71].
  • The incidence of calcifying tendinitis in the general population is 2.5-20% [71].
  • In about 10% of individuals, calcific deposits are found bilaterally [7].

Anatomical Location

  • Calcium deposits are most commonly located at the level of the supraspinatus tendon [7].
  • In approximately 80% of patients, calcifying tendinitis occurs in the supraspinatus tendon, 1.5-2 cm from the tendinous insertion at the greater tuberosity [71].
  • The greater tuberosity serves as the attachment site for the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor tendons of the rotator cuff [43].
  • The subacromial bursa and subdeltoid bursa pass underneath the coracoacromial arch [43].

Pathogenesis and Staging

  • The pathogenesis of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy remains unclear [7, 23].
  • Endocrine and metabolic disorders were often described as comorbidity in subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy [7].
  • Endocrine disorders probably play an important role in the development of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, but the effect of this process is still unknown [7].
  • The reactive calcification theory proposed by Uthoff in 1997 consists of a three-stages process: pre-calcific, calcific, and post-calcific stage [7].
  • During the pre-calcific stage, tenocytes undergo a metaplastic transformation into chondrocytes within the site where the calcium deposits will subsequently form [7].
  • The calcific stage is divided into three phases: the formative phase, the resting phase, and the resorptive phase [7].
  • In the formative phase, calcium deposits increase in size [7].
  • The resting phase is characterized by the presence of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff [7].
  • The resorptive phase is associated with acute, sudden onset of extremely severe pain [29, 30].
  • Uhthoff and Loehr described cartilage metaplasia as a reactionary process in an active biologic environment [23].
  • The precalcific stage consists of predominantly fibrocartilaginous metaplasia presumably within less vascular areas of the tendon [23].
  • In the formative phase of the calcific stage, matrix vesicles unite to become calcific deposits that are separated by fibrocartilage [23].
  • Calcific deposits consist of two different forms of hydroxyapatite: A type and B type [23].
  • The composition of an individual deposit can have a mixture of the two types of hydroxyapatite, but each individual phase has a different composition [23].
  • Calcium is deposited in the fibrocartilaginous matrix of the tendon as calcium carbonate apatite [29, 30].
  • Shorter length of the infraspinatus tendon and specific subacromial bursa anatomy may explain the intramuscular migration of calcium deposits leading to infraspinatus myotendinous junction tears [5].

Clinical Presentation

  • Subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy often reported nightly, acute, unilateral and severe pain with spontaneous onset [7].
  • Subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy often reported deficit in active and passive range of motion, mainly in abduction and flexion [7].
  • Calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus does not typically cause loss of external rotation but is frequently associated with mild isolated restriction of abduction [12].

Classification

  • Calcific deposits in the rotator cuff are most commonly located at the level of the supraspinatus tendon [7].
  • In approximately 10% of individuals with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, the deposits are found bilaterally [7].
  • In 20% of cases of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, the subjects are asymptomatic [7].
  • The supraspinatus tendon was the most frequently affected tendon in 82.7% of patients with calcific deposits within the rotator cuff [41].
  • The infraspinatus tendon was affected in 8.4% of patients with calcific deposits within the rotator cuff [41].
  • The subscapularis tendon was affected in 8.9% of patients with calcific deposits within the rotator cuff [41].
  • Two or more tendons were affected in 9% of patients with calcific deposits within the rotator cuff [41].
  • The median length of calcific deposits in the rotator cuff was 1.16 cm [41].
  • Calcific deposits were categorized as Gärtner type I in 38.4% of cases, type II in 47.0% of cases, and type III in 14.6% of cases [41].
  • A widely accepted method of classification based on radiographic appearance defines type A as dense, rounded, and sharply delineated deposits [69].
  • A widely accepted method of classification based on radiographic appearance defines type B as multilobular in appearance, still radiodense, and sharply outlined deposits [69].
  • A widely accepted method of classification based on radiographic appearance defines type C as more radiolucent and heterogeneous with irregular outlines [69].
  • A widely accepted method of classification based on radiographic appearance defines type D as dystrophic calcific lesions of the tendon insertion [69].
  • Calcium deposition can be characterized as discrete or fragmented and dense or fluffy using the classification scheme developed by Mole et al [63].
  • Approximately 76% of calcifications were dense (type A or B) and 24% were fluffy (type C) in a study analyzing subacromial decompression and deposit removal [63].
  • Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff with tuberosity osteolysis is a distinctive form of calcific tendinitis that should be considered in clinical and surgical practice [18].

Clinical Presentation

  • In 20% of cases, subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy are asymptomatic [7].
  • Calcium deposits in rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy are most commonly located at the level of the supraspinatus tendon [7].
  • In about 10% of individuals with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, the deposits are found bilaterally [7].
  • Subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy often report nightly, acute, unilateral and severe pain with spontaneous onset [7].
  • Subjects complaining of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy were often female aged between 30 and 60 [7].
  • Calcific tendinitis is a poorly understood condition in which symptoms can be protracted, resulting in time off work and impaired quality of life [6].
  • Demographic, radiographic, and clinical features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in the Korean population were not different from those of Western populations [20].
  • Atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis can involve the teres minor and present with isolated posterior shoulder pain affecting overhead movement [27].
  • Recognition of atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis with bone erosion may prevent unnecessary biopsy and overtreatment [15].

Investigations

Imaging Modalities and Techniques

  • Ultrasound is a simple and accurate test for identifying rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis [51].
  • Ultrasound can be useful in guiding injections or barbotage, which involves aspirating calcific deposits in the rotator cuff [51].
  • At least two X-ray views should be obtained for shoulder imaging: an anteroposterior view in the plane of the glenoid and an axillary projection with the arm in abduction [51].
  • The axillary projection with the arm in abduction shows the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid [51].
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify rotator cuff tears, although accuracy for these is enhanced by combining the scan with arthrography [51].
  • MRI is useful to identify osteonecrosis of the humeral head or a bone tumour [51].
  • Computed tomography (CT) is helpful for planning fracture surgery and shoulder joint replacement [51].
  • The purpose of shoulder imaging is to help establish the diagnosis, determine the severity of the pathoanatomy, assist in surgical planning, and enable the surgeon to illustrate the condition of the shoulder to the patient [26].
  • Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for shoulder care [26].
  • The first key radiographic view is the anteroposterior (AP) view in the plane of the scapula, taken so that the x-ray beam passes through the glenohumeral joint [26].
  • The AP view shows the superoinferior position of the humeral head relative to the glenoid, presence of osteophytes, narrowing of the joint space, degree of medial displacement of the humerus, quality of bone, presence of loose bodies, and whether there is humeral head collapse or deformity [26].
  • The second key radiographic view is the axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula [26].
  • The axillary view is referred to as the “truth view” because it demonstrates glenohumeral relationships in the functional position of elevation [26].
  • CT scans have the disadvantage of being taken with the arm in the adducted position, unlike the axillary truth view [26].
  • The standardized axillary view enables measurement of posterior subluxation or “functional decentering” that is not evident in images taken with the arm at the side [26].
  • The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the plane of the scapula, the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the glenoid face, or the point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface [26].
  • The point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface reflects the degree of centering of the net humeral joint reaction force on the glenoid [26].
  • A robust approach to imaging the shoulder must recognize that the shoulder is a three-dimensional structure that cannot be represented by a single planar view [53].
  • Critical relationships, such as the degree of centering of the humeral head, change with the position of the arm [53].
  • Shoulder pathology may be found in a large number of different bones and soft tissues [53].
  • Overlying and superimposed structures as well as metallic implants may complicate imaging the structures of interest [53].
  • Surgeons need to develop a judicious approach to imaging that yields necessary information while avoiding the tendency to "over-image" [53].

Diagnostic Findings and Clinical Correlations

  • Restriction of passive glenohumeral abduction combined with normal passive external rotation is a diagnostic feature of calcific tendinitis [12].
  • The incidence of rotator cuff tears in cases of calcific tendonitis is higher than previously reported in cohorts undergoing MRI [36].
  • Shoulder surgeons should be cautious about rotator cuff tears as a comorbidity in calcific tendinitis and aware of the accuracy limitations of sonographic or MRI evaluation [24].
  • Imaging and functional data indicate that calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff with tuberosity osteolysis is a distinctive form of calcific tendinitis that should be considered in clinical and surgical practice [18].
  • This case highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis, particularly in the context of isolated posterior shoulder pain [27].
  • Shorter length of the infraspinatus tendon and specific subacromial bursa anatomy may explain the intramuscular migration of calcium deposits leading to the lesion [5].
  • The paper illustrates the dynamic pathological process of calcific tendinopathy, including migration patterns of calcium deposits, and discusses clinical and sonographic assessment to optimize diagnosis, rehabilitation, and interventional management for functional recovery [21].

Ultrasound-Specific Assessment and Management

  • US elastography is recommended for all patients with calcific tendinosis, except for those with the arc morphological type, before making management decisions [37].
  • A complex case report illustrates the value of the surgeon performing ultrasound of the shoulder to diagnose an intraosseous calcifying tendinitis [34].
  • Accuracy of rotator cuff ultrasonography depends on the skill of the scanner operator and an awareness of pitfalls that are encountered [49].
  • Introducing 10 common pitfalls of rotator cuff ultrasonography helps reduce overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of rotator cuff pathology [49].
  • In 70% of shoulders treated with ultrasonography-guided lavage for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis, the treatment resulted in significant reduction of symptoms [49].
  • Calcifications that were softer and middle-sized (12 to 17 mm) had more significant improvement after ultrasonography-guided lavage [49].
  • Better results from ultrasonography-guided lavage occurred in patients aged 30 to 40 years [49].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Nonoperative treatment consists of physical therapy, therapeutic modalities, and injections [29].
  • Initial conservative treatment includes rest in a sling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and injection of corticosteroid into the subacromial bursa [61].
  • In most cases of calcific tendinitis, clinical symptoms resolve spontaneously in seven to ten days, while the calcium deposit may persist on radiographs [61].
  • Symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder has a good likelihood to completely resolve in the long-term [3].
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) effectively reduced painful symptomatology and increased shoulder function in patients with chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder [39].
  • Shock wave therapy is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, producing a high rate of success in pain relief and functional restoration with negligible complications [16].
  • Shock wave therapy is a heterogeneous but effective treatment for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder [57].
  • Both ultrasound-guided needling and extracorporeal shock wave therapy improved clinical outcomes and eliminated calcium deposits in patients with calcific tendinitis [31].
  • Ultrasound-guided needling showed a higher decrease in calcium deposits compared to radial shockwave therapy at 6 weeks [62].
  • Ultrasound-guided needling showed a significantly higher improvement in the Oxford Score pre- and post-treatment compared to radial shockwave therapy [62].
  • After one year, there was no significant difference in NRS and Oxford Score between ultrasound-guided needling and radial shockwave therapy groups [62].
  • Approximately 40% of patients were free of complaints after one year in both the ultrasound-guided needling and radial shockwave therapy groups [62].
  • Only 44% of patients in the radial shockwave therapy group would choose this treatment again, compared to almost every patient in the ultrasound-guided needling group [62].
  • "Needling and lavage" of the lesion under image guidance has been described and is often successful [29].
  • Percutaneous needle barbotage of calcium deposits has been demonstrated to provide pain relief and improved symptoms in patients suffering from calcific tendonitis [40].
  • Unsatisfactory results were found in 20% to 30% of cases treated with extracorporeal shockwave therapy [61].

Operative Management

  • In athletes with calcifying tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon with failed nonoperative treatment, complete arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits and tendon repair without acromioplasty results in significant pain relief and improvement in functional outcomes [60].
  • Arthroscopic excision has been successful in between 50% and 82% of cases [61].
  • Open or arthroscopic surgery are only considered after failure of other noninvasive treatments due to concerns about their invasiveness [61].
  • The rotator cuff should be repaired if it is significantly involved during surgical treatment [29].

Complications

  • Recurrence and persistent symptoms are not rare in patients with peritendinous calcific deposits in the hand and wrist [10].
  • The incidence of rotator cuff tears in cases of calcific tendonitis is higher than previously reported in a cohort of patients who underwent MRI [36].

Recovery

Natural History and Prognosis

  • Periarticular calcific deposits are self-limiting and respond to conservative treatment, whereas recurrence and persistent symptoms are not rare in patients with peritendinous calcific deposits in the hand and wrist [10].

Non-Operative Recovery

  • Percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage is effective in the short term and in the long term in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, with results similar to or better than those published for other techniques, and it is only slightly invasive and painful [38].
  • A symptom duration of ≤10 months or calcification size of ≤10.82 mm represented the clinical scenarios most likely to show resorption after ESWT [81].
  • Calcific deposits disappeared in the same percentage of patients in both groups of a randomized clinical trial comparing two different energy levels for extracorporeal shock-wave therapy [83].

Operative Recovery

  • The short-term functional outcome of patients with calcific tendonitis after arthroscopic bursectomy and debridement of the calcific deposit is not influenced if performed in combination with or without a subacromial decompression [35].

Key Evidence

  • [L1] In patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, ultrasound treatment helps resolve calcifications and is associated with short-term clinical improvement. [1] (10.1056/nejm199905203402002)
  • [L3] Calcific tendon deposits of the shoulder are a frequent occurrence in the general population, although only one third are painful. [2] (10.1007/s00256-015-2240-3)
  • [L1] Symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder has a good likelihood to completely resolve in the long-term. [3] (10.1097/phm.0000000000000939)
  • [L3] Patients with calcific lesions >1 cm had a 2.8 increased likelihood to undergo operative treatment in the setting of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. [4] (10.1016/j.jseint.2021.01.013)
  • [L4] Shorter length of the infraspinatus tendon and specific subacromial bursa anatomy may explain the intramuscular migration of calcium deposits leading to the lesion. [5] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.01.092)
  • [L3] Calcific tendinitis is a poorly understood condition in which symptoms can be protracted, resulting in time off work and impaired quality of life. [6] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.06.007)
  • [L3] [7] (10.1177/17585732241244515)
  • [L2] Conservative treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder showed clinically significant improvement, with 72% of excellent or good results regardless of the location, radiologic type and size, and initial symptoms of calcific deposits. [8] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.07.008)
  • [L2] Treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder with shock waves has produced a high rate of success in pain relief and functional restoration with negligible associated complications. [9] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.03.023)
  • [L3] Periarticular calcific deposits are self-limiting and respond to conservative treatment, whereas recurrence and persistent symptoms are not rare in patients with peritendinous calcific deposits in the hand and wrist. [10] (10.1177/1753193413478393)
  • [L4] Surgical treatment of calcific tendinitis gives good results in 88.5% of patients resistant to medical treatment. [11] (10.1007/s100670050108)
  • [L3] Calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus does not typically cause loss of external rotation but is frequently associated with mild isolated restriction of abduction. [12] (10.1177/2325967117752907)
  • [L4] Arthroscopic removal of calcification leads to improved clinical outcomes in patients with chronic calcific tendinitis, but at least 6 months of follow-up is needed for these improvements to become statistically significant. [13] (10.5397/cise.2018.21.2.75)
  • [Paper] Patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of a calcific deposit in the shoulder had satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes at the final follow-up, with functional scores improving slowly and reaching more than 75 percent at six months after surgery. [14] (10.1016/j.otsr.2020.03.005)
  • [L5] Recognition of atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis with bone erosion may prevent unnecessary biopsy and overtreatment. [15] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.02.009)
  • [L3] Shock wave therapy is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, producing a high rate of success in pain relief and functional restoration with negligible complications. [16] (10.1177/03635465030310031701)
  • [L3] Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis provides good to excellent clinical results. [17] (10.1177/03635465211037690)
  • [L2] Imaging and functional data indicate that calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff with tuberosity osteolysis is a distinctive form of calcific tendinitis that should be considered in clinical and surgical practice. [18] (10.1016/j.jse.2008.09.016)
  • [L3] Routine diagnostic glenohumeral exploration does not appear beneficial in arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinitis due to the low prevalence of intraarticular pathologies which most frequently do not require surgical treatment. [19] (10.1186/s12891-017-1839-z)
  • [L4] This study reported demographic, radiographic, and clinical features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in the Korean population, which were not different from those of Western populations. [20] (10.5397/cise.2020.00010)
  • [L5] The paper illustrates the dynamic pathological process of calcific tendinopathy, including migration patterns of calcium deposits, and discusses clinical and sonographic assessment to optimize diagnosis, rehabilitation, and interventional management for functional recovery. [21] (10.3390/diagnostics12123097)
  • [L5] The primary choice of treatment for calcific tendinitis is conservative, especially in patients with acute calcific tendinitis. [22] (10.5397/cise.2020.00318)
  • [L5] [23] (10.5435/jaaos-22-11-707)
  • [L3] Shoulder surgeons should be cautious about rotator cuff tears as a comorbidity in calcific tendinitis and aware of the accuracy limitations of sonographic or MRI evaluation. [24] (10.5397/cise.2021.00094)
  • [Case_report] This case highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis, particularly in the context of isolated posterior shoulder pain. [27] (10.1016/j.jisako.2025.101055)
  • [L2] Both treatment modalities for calcific tendinitis improved clinical outcomes and eliminated calcium deposits. [31] (10.1016/j.jse.2014.06.036)
  • [L1] Endoscopic and open surgery are equally effective in the treatment of chronic calcifying tendinopathy, showing similar clinical and sonographic results. [33] (10.1097/01.blo.0000063786.32430.22)
  • [L4] This complex case report illustrates the value of the surgeon performing ultrasound of the shoulder to diagnose an intraosseous calcifying tendinitis. [34] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.09.012)
  • [L1] This study has demonstrated that the short-term functional outcome of patients with calcific tendonitis after arthroscopic bursectomy and debridement of the calcific deposit is not influenced if performed in combination with or without a subacromial decompression. [35] (10.1016/j.arthro.2015.05.015)
  • [L4] The incidence of rotator cuff tears in cases of calcific tendonitis in this cohort of patients who underwent MRI is higher than previously reported. [36] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.11.127)
  • [L4] We recommend that US elastography be performed for all patients with calcific tendinosis, except for those with the arc morphological type, before making management decisions. [37] (10.1016/j.jcma.2015.05.006)
  • [L4] Percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage is effective in the short term and in the long term in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, with results similar to or better than those published for other techniques, and it is only slightly invasive and painful. [38] (10.2214/ajr.07.2254)
  • [L2] ESWT effectively reduced painful symptomatology and increased shoulder function in patients with chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. [39] (10.1136/ard.62.3.248)
  • [L4] [40] (10.1177/2325967121s00655)
  • [L3] [41] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.02.024)
  • [L1] Shock wave therapy is a heterogeneous but effective treatment for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. [57] (10.1177/1941738108331197)
  • [L4] In athletes with calcifying tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon with failed nonoperative treatment, complete arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits and tendon repair without acromioplasty results in significant pain relief and improvement in functional outcomes. [60] (10.1177/2325967116669310)
  • [L3] [61] (10.1302/0301-620x.99b12.bjj-2016-1178.r1)
  • [L2] [62] (10.1016/j.jor.2017.07.011)
  • [L3] [63] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.038)
  • [L4] [69] (10.1016/j.jse.2004.04.001)
  • [L2] [71] (10.1177/0269215510396740)
  • [L3] A symptom duration of ≤10 months or calcification size of ≤10.82 mm represented the clinical scenarios most likely to show resorption after ESWT. [81] (10.1177/23259671241231609)
  • [L2] Calcific deposits disappeared in the same percentage of patients in both groups. [83] (10.2522/ptj.20110252)

References

[1] Ultrasound Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder. New England Journal of Medicine. 1999. DOI: 10.1056/nejm199905203402002

[2] Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: the correlation between pain and imaging features in symptomatic and asymptomatic female shoulders. Skeletal Radiology. 2015. DOI: 10.1007/s00256-015-2240-3

[3] Long-Term Course of Shoulders After Ultrasound Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2018. DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000000939

[4] Predictive factors for failure of conservative management in the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. JSES International. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2021.01.013

[5] Infraspinatus Myotendinous Junction Tears: Analysis Of A Consecutive Series And Their Relationship With Calcifying Tendonitis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2022.01.092

[6] Calcific tendinitis: Natural history and association with endocrine disorders. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2006.06.007

[7] Clinical features in rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: A scoping review. Shoulder & Elbow. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/17585732241244515

[8] Radiologic course of the calcific deposits in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: Does the initial radiologic aspect affect the final results?. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2009.07.008

[9] Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2007.03.023

[10] Acute calcium deposits in the hand and wrist; comparison of acute calcium peritendinitis and acute calcium periarthritis. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2013. DOI: 10.1177/1753193413478393

[11] Surgical Management of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: An Analysis of 26 Cases. Clinical Rheumatology. 1999. DOI: 10.1007/s100670050108

[12] Restriction of Passive Glenohumeral Abduction Combined With Normal Passive External Rotation Is a Diagnostic Feature of Calcific Tendinitis. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018. DOI: 10.1177/2325967117752907

[13] Functional Recovery of the Shoulder after Arthroscopic Treatment for Chronic Calcific Tendinitis. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2018. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2018.21.2.75

[14] Recovery pattern after arthroscopic treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2020.03.005

[15] Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff associated with intraosseous loculation: Two case reports. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2009.02.009

[16] Shock Wave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2003. DOI: 10.1177/03635465030310031701

[17] Clinical and Structural Results of Rotator Cuff Repair Compared With Rotator Cuff Debridement in Arthroscopic Treatment of Calcifying Tendinitis of the Shoulder. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/03635465211037690

[18] Osteolytic lesion of greater tuberosity in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2008.09.016

[19] Examination of concomitant glenohumeral pathologies in patients treated arthroscopically for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder and implications for routine diagnostic joint exploration. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2017. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1839-z

[20] Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in the Korean population: demographics and its relation with coexisting rotator cuff tear. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2021. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2020.00010

[21] Clinical/Sonographic Assessment and Management of Calcific Tendinopathy of the Shoulder: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics. 2022. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123097

[22] Diagnosis and treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2020. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2020.00318

[23] Calcific Tendinitis of the Rotator Cuff. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2014. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-22-11-707

[24] Is common the rotator cuff tear in the calcific tendinitis?. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2021. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2021.00094

[26] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Arthroscopic Management of Prearthritic and Arthritic Conditions of the Shoulder and the Postarthroplasty Shoulder > Radiographic Evaluation.

[27] Atypical calcific tendinitis involving teres minor which affects overhead movement: A case report. Journal of ISAKOS. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2025.101055

[29] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. ACROMIOCLAVICULAR AND STERNOCLAVICULAR INJURIES > 5. Calcific tendinitis.

[30] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > ACROMIOCLAVICULAR AND STERNOCLAVICULAR INJURIES > 5. Calcific tendinitis.

[31] Which method is more effective in treatment of calcific tendinitis in the shoulder? Prospective randomized comparison between ultrasound-guided needling and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2014.06.036

[33] Prospective Randomized Surgical Treatments for Calcifying Tendinopathy. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2003. DOI: 10.1097/01.blo.0000063786.32430.22

[34] Intraosseous migration of supraspinatus calcification: benefits of intraoperative ultrasound technique. JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.09.012

[35] Short‐Term Outcome After Arthroscopic Bursectomy Debridement of Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendonopathy With and Without Subacromial Decompression: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthroscopy. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2015.05.015

[36] Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder: Protector or Predictor of Cuff Pathology? A Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Based Study. Arthroscopy. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.11.127

[37] Management of rotator cuff calcific tendinosis guided by ultrasound elastography. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcma.2015.05.006

[38] Sonographically Guided Percutaneous Needle Lavage in Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: Short- and Long-Term Results. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2007. DOI: 10.2214/ajr.07.2254

[39] Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: single blind study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2003. DOI: 10.1136/ard.62.3.248

[40] Paper 92: Outcomes of Percutaneous Barbotage for Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022. DOI: 10.1177/2325967121s00655

[41] Prevalence of calcific deposits within the rotator cuff tendons in adults with and without subacromial pain syndrome: clinical and radiologic analysis of 1219 patients. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.02.024

[43] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Shoulder and Elbow Specialty Clinic Workers’ Survey > ANATOMY.

[49] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Diagnostic Ultrasonography and Ultrasonography-­Guided Procedures > Annotated References.

[51] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. INVESTIGATION.

[53] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint > SENIOR EDITOR COMMENTARY.

[57] Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Calcifying Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Meta-Analysis. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 2009. DOI: 10.1177/1941738108331197

[60] Return to Sports After Arthroscopic Treatment of Rotator Cuff Calcifications in Athletes. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/2325967116669310

[61] Prognostic factors for the outcome of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2017. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.99b12.bjj-2016-1178.r1

[62] Ultrasound guided Needling vs Radial Shockwave Therapy in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: A prospective randomized trial. Journal of Orthopaedics. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2017.07.011

[63] Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder: is subacromial decompression in combination with removal of the calcific deposit beneficial?. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.038

[69] Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder: Clinical and ultrasonographic follow-up findings at two to five years. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2004.04.001

[71] Arm position during extracorporeal shock wave therapy for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder: a randomized study. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2011. DOI: 10.1177/0269215510396740

[81] Treatment Algorithm for the Resorption of Calcific Tendinitis Using Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Data Mining Study. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/23259671241231609

[83] Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy for Supraspinatus Calcifying Tendinitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Two Different Energy Levels. Physical Therapy. 2012. DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20110252