Calcific Shoulder Tendonitis

Calcified Tendonitis is caused by the accumulation of calcium salts in one or more tendons. When their size increases, they can lead to inflammation and cause very intense pain.

Calcified Tendonitis occurs most often in the shoulder and specifically, in the tendons of the rotator cuff. However, there is a chance that it will also appear in any other joint.

Patients between 40 and 60 years of age have a higher risk for Calcific Tendonitis. It is also more common in women, than in men. Its appearance is not related to any specific activity.

Calcified Tendonitis is not very common. It occurs in about 10% of patients who complain of shoulder pain.

There is no specific, single cause that causes Calcific Tendonitis. Tendon wear and degeneration can, in some cases, lead to this condition.

The patients who do not experience pain are only a few; usually, however, in the inflammation phase there is acute pain, which can interfere with even the slightest movement of the hand.

Patients with Calcific Tendonitis can experience a variety of symptoms, which include:

• Sudden shoulder pain or stiffness
• Severe pain with shoulder movement
• Acute pain during sleep
• Limiting shoulder range of motion
• Sensitivity of the shoulder tendons

The diagnosis of Calcific Tendonitis initially requires a detailed clinical examination by a specialized Orthopedic Surgeon.

An imaging test is then recommended, which includes:

• Simple X-ray of the shoulder
• MRI
• Ultrasound

The treatment of Calcific Tendonitis depends on the intensity of the pain and the stage of the disease.

In case of acute limiting pain, it is preferable to immobilize the patient and administer anti-inflammatory drugs for a short time.

After the acute period of pain, physiotherapy is recommended, where various techniques are attempted to improve the movement of the shoulder and the absorption-dissolution of calcium deposit in the tendon.

In case of chronic pain and calcium salts that do not dissolve and cause repeated inflammation,  surgical treatment with shoulder arthroscopy is recommended.

With the help of the arthroscope and through two very small incisions, the calcium deposit area is located and with very fine movements, it is mobilized and sucked in. In this way, the problem is permanently solved and the patient immediately returns to full activity.