Pronounced: Cal-sa-fic Ten-don-it is of the Shoulder
Hard calcium deposit can form on soft tissue, in this case tendons. Once the calcium deposits are formed, the tendons may become inflamed and cause pain. This inflammation and pain is called calcific tendonitis. This condition usually develops over time. Symptoms typically do not appear until after the calcium has formed. Shoulder pain develops once the calcium deposit begins to be reabsorbed by the body.
This condition may be treatable. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor.
The exact cause is unknown. The condition occurs most commonly from wear and tear of the shoulder. Aging also plays a part in its development. It is more common among people over age 40.
These factors increase your chance of calcific tendonitis. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to calcific tendonitis. These may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. For example, an orthopedic surgeon specializes in bones.
Tests may include the following:
Most cases of calcific tendonitis resolve over time. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Options include the following:
Your medical treatment plan will likely include:
Your doctor may send you to a therapist for treatment. A therapist will use different treatments to decrease the pain and inflammation. Possible treatments include:
Once the symptoms have started to decrease, you will work with the therapist to strengthen your muscles and increase your range of motion.
Lavage may help flush out the calcium deposits. A needle is placed directly into the shoulder. Normal saline is injected through the needles. The deposits are then broken up for removal.
This therapy breaks up deposits by sending sound waves to the shoulder. The body can then reabsorb the smaller pieces. This should decrease symptoms.
In some cases, surgery may be done to remove deposits. The procedure is called arthroscopy . It uses small incisions and instruments to view the joint and remove the deposits.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/home.asp
Arthroscopy Association of North America
http://www.aana.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
Calcific tendonitis. Internet Society of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma website. Available at: http://www.orthogate.org/patient-education/shoulder/calcific-tendonitis-of-the-shoulder.html . Accessed November 12, 2008.
Impingement of the shoulder. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00032 . Accessed November 12, 2008.
Impingement syndrome of rotator cuff. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynaweb.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=114840&sid=0df83b41-46fc-43a0-a992-4ca336531894@sessionmgr2 . Accessed November 12, 2008.
Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS. Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide . 6th Ed. United States: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2004; Chapter 283, Nontraumatic Musculoskeletal Disorders.
Last reviewed December 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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