Arthroscopic Decompression of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder and Repair of Residual Rotator Cuff Defect

Abstract

Calcific tendinitis is a common source of shoulder pain and represents pathologic deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite within rotator cuff tendon tissue, most commonly the supraspinatus tendon. Arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis with possible rotator cuff repair is indicated in patients with persistent, debilitating symptoms of pain and/or dysfunction who are recalcitrant to nonoperative treatments, including corticosteroid administration, ultrasound-guided needle barbotage, and/or extracorporeal shockwave therapy. With the patient in a beach chair position, a standard diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy is performed to evaluate for concomitant pathologies. Within the subacromial space, a thorough bursectomy is performed and the area of calcium deposition is localized with a spinal needle. A scalpel may be used to create a small incision through the rotator cuff tendon in line with its fibers to promote egress of calcific debris. Surrounding tissue and loose debris are removed with an arthroscopic shaver. Following decompression, the rotator cuff repair is inspected, and if a bursal-sided or full-thickness tear is identified, an arthroscopic repair is performed with a construct individualized to the specific tear pattern. Surgical treatment conferred greater functional improvement and comparable pain reduction to nonoperative treatments in a systematic review comprised of 27 randomized trials. While the addition of a rotator cuff repair remains controversial, combined excision of calcific tendinitis with concomitant rotator cuff repair led to greater functional outcomes and pain reduction at 2-year minimum follow-up compared with isolated decompression. Calcific tendinitis within the shoulder may be treated successfully with arthroscopic decompression and subsequent repair of a residual rotator cuff defect, followed by a graduated physical rehabilitation program. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.