Calcific tendonitis

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of calcific tendonitis? icon plus

  Symptoms change depending on the stage at which you are at in the development of the condition. These might include:

  • mild to moderate pain while the calcium is being deposited
  • significant pain when the deposits are reabsorbed into the tendons of your shoulder
  • stiffness in the shoulder and difficulty raising your arm
  • interrupted sleep as a consequence of the pain

• How is calcific tendonitis diagnosed? icon plus

  Your consultant will take your medical history and conduct a physical examination of your shoulder. Imaging tests may be required to confirm calcific tendonitis . These might include:

  • X-rays to identify the exact location of any calcium deposits in your shoulder
  • an ultrasound scan to identify the presence of calcium deposits

  Your consultant may need to take multiple X-rays over a period of time to check the development of the condition and determine whether surgery is necessary.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  • Anti-inflammatory medication for mild to moderate pain. If the pain is acute your consultant may recommend a steroid injection (cortisone). Resting the arm and shoulder is also advised.
  • Shockwave therapy. This involves using high energy sound or pressure waves, which can alter the pain while the deposits are reabsorbed. -
  • Barbotage. This involves removing a deposit by sucking it into a syringe with ultrasound guidance. You may also need surgery, usually arthroscopy. A small incision is made in the shoulder, before a tiny camera and surgical instrument is inserted to remove the deposits. This is more likely with large deposits that have damaged the rotator cuff tendons.