Tendon calcification (shoulder)

Tendon calcification is the deposition of calcium crystals (calcification) in one of the tendons of the rotator cuff located around the head of the shoulder. Impaired blood flow causes the cells to be improperly urged to form calcium.

Symptoms

When calcification forms, there are usually few symptoms. At the "calcified" stage, a shoulder impingement can develop and you experience activity-related symptoms and nighttime pain. Increased pressure on the tendon can cause severe pain. The more severe the pain, the shorter it often lasts. For example, if you have years of moderate pain and overuse triggers an irritation, the calcium will suddenly release and create a severe shooting pain. Often this is "the beginning of healing". So the symptoms depend greatly on the stage of calcification. Not everyone experiences symptoms from this condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by clinical examination. The normal mobility is disturbed and often you have difficulty lifting the arm upward. During the acute phase, you have very severe pain in the upper arm, even by touch. An X-ray is taken to predict the course based on the nature and severity of the calcification. An ultrasound may help confirm the diagnosis.
RX skeleton
Ultrasound limbs

Treatment

The nonoperative treatment focuses on the inflammation of the tendon. Here you will be treated according to your symptoms. This treatment consists of relative rest, administration of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy can also help relieve symptoms. In the acute phase, infiltrations with cortisone may be necessary, which may or may not be combined with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).

Surgery

If the above treatments do not work, or the calcification is very large, surgery is usually required. During the procedure, the accumulated calcium is looked for, prodded and deflated. If the tendon is too badly injured by the calcium, suturing of the tendon may be necessary. This procedure can be performed as keyhole surgery or open surgery.

Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)

Departments

For more information, please visit the orthopaedics department.

Association orthopaedics 011 33 42 86 dr. Peter Bollars 011 69 96 60