The results of arthroscopic treatment of chronic resistant calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in 23 patients were evaluated. Each patient had greater than 1 year of unsuccessful nonoperative management prior to arthroscopic surgery. The average age was 49 years (range 33-60) and average follow up was 26 months (range 12-47). Subacromial bursectomy was performed in all patients. Based on follow-up radiographs, 13 patients had partial calcium removal while 9 had complete removal of calcium. Results were graded as good in 11 patients (50%) with full motion and complete pain relief, satisfactory in 9 (41%) patients with full motion and occasional episodes of pain, and unsatisfactory in 2 (9%) patients with persistent pain. Arthroscopic calcium removal and subacromial bursectomy are reasonable alternatives in the treatment of chronic calcific tendinitis resistant to conservative treatment.
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The results of arthroscopic treatment of chronic resistant calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in 23 patients were evaluated. Each patient had greater than 1 year of unsuccessful nonoperative management prior to arthroscopic surgery. The average age was 49 years (range 33-60) and average follow up was 26 months (range 12-47). Subacromial bursectomy was performed in all patients. Based on follow-up radiographs, 13 patients had partial calcium removal while 9 had complete removal of calcium. Results were graded as good in 11 patients (50%) with full motion and complete pain relief, satisfactory in 9 (41%) patients with full motion and occasional episodes of pain, and unsatisfactory in 2 (9%) patients with persistent pain. Arthroscopic calcium removal and subacromial bursectomy are reasonable alternatives in the treatment of chronic calcific tendinitis resistant to conservative treatment.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.