[Significance of calcium deposit elimination in tendinosis calcarea of the shoulder].

Abstract

AIM:

To evaluate the effect of complete elimination of the calcific deposit on the clinical outcome in patients with a recalcitrant calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

50 patients with a chronic calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder (Type Gärtner I or II) underwent a single application of extracorporeal shock waves (3000 impulses, energy flux density 0.60 mJ/mm2). After one year 45 patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically.

RESULTS:

Radiologically a complete absorption of the calcific deposit was observed in 21 patients (47%). In 9 patients there was no radiological change. The radiological success was closely related to the radiomorphology of the deposit. 18 out of 27 good or excellent results were accompanied by a complete disintegration of the deposit. We calculated a significant dependency between complete disintegration of the deposit and a good/excellent clinical result (p = 0.0002). Patients with a completely disintegrated deposit had significantly better scores than those with a partial disintegration of the calcium (p = 0.02), and than those with no radiomorphological changes (p = 0.0003). Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.6.

CONCLUSION:

Elimination of the deposit is paramount for a good clinical outcome and should be the main goal for any treatment.

• Authors: J D Rompe, J Zöllner, B Nafe, C Freitag
• Journal: Zeitschrift fur Orthopadie und ihre Grenzgebiete (Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb) 2000 Jul-Aug Vol. 138 Issue 4 Pg. 335-9 ISSN: 0044-3220 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Bedeutung der Kalkdepotelimination bei Tendinosis calcarea der Schulter.
• PMID: 11033902 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Calcinosis (diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Lithotripsy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiography
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Tendinopathy (diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome