Patients › Shoulder
Tendinitis calcificante
Calcific tendinitis causes shoulder pain from calcium deposits; treatment ranges from observation to washing out the calcium.
Qué está sintiendo¶
La tendinitis calcáfica se produce cuando el calcio se acumula dentro de uno de los tendones del manguito rotador, el conjunto de tendones que mantienen unida la articulación del hombro y le permiten levantar el brazo. Por lo general, el depósito se forma en el tendón supraespinoso, que se encuentra en la parte superior del hombro y realiza gran parte del trabajo al elevar el brazo lateralmente.
El dolor suele aparecer solo en un lado y, con frecuencia, de forma repentina y intensa. En muchas personas es más fuerte por la noche, llegando a despertarlas con regularidad. El movimiento más difícil suele ser estirar el brazo hacia arriba: colocar un plato en un estante alto, tender la ropa en el tendedero o ponerse un suéter por la cabeza. Algunas personas también tienen dificultades para acostarse sobre el hombro afectado.
Esta condición es más frecuente en mujeres de 30 a 60 años, aunque puede afectar a cualquier persona. En alrededor del 10 % de los casos, los depósitos aparecen en ambos hombros. Cerca del 20 % de los pacientes no sienten ningún síntoma y solo se enteran de la condición por casualidad. Un número menor presenta un patrón menos típico: el dolor se localiza en la parte posterior del hombro en lugar de en el lateral, aunque esto también puede dificultar los movimientos por encima de la cabeza.
La buena noticia es que la mayoría de los casos se resuelven sin cirugía. El tratamiento no quirúrgico es el primer paso habitual, y la mayoría de las personas mejoran con él. El tratamiento con ultrasonido puede ayudar a fragmentar el calcio y aliviar los síntomas a corto plazo. El tratamiento con ondas de choque también reduce el dolor y mejora la función del hombro, con muy pocas complicaciones.
Por lo general, la cirugía se reserva para quienes no experimentan alivio con otros tratamientos. En esos casos, la cirugía arroja buenos resultados en el 88,5 % de los pacientes. Los depósitos más grandes, aquellos de más de 1 cm, tienen mayor probabilidad de requerir intervención quirúrgica.
Si sus síntomas se han prolongado durante meses, afectando su sueño y su capacidad para trabajar, eso es algo común en esta condición y merece ser comentado con su cirujano.
¿Qué está ocurriendo realmente?¶
El tendón es un cordón resistente que conecta el músculo con el hueso. En el hombro, los tendones del manguito rotador actúan como cuerdas que elevan y mueven el brazo. En la tendinitis calcificante, se forman cristales de calcio dentro de uno de esos tendones, generalmente el tendón supraespinoso, situado en la parte superior del hombro. El depósito se ubica a unos 1,5–2 cm de donde el tendón se fija al hueso del brazo.
La acumulación de calcio se produce en etapas: primero, las células del tendón se transforman en células similares al cartílago, el tejido suave que amortigua las articulaciones; luego, el calcio se deposita en ese tejido transformado y el depósito crece lentamente. Puede permanecer estable durante un tiempo, sin causar molestias. El dolor suele aparecer cuando el cuerpo comienza a descomponer y absorber ese depósito; esta fase de reabsorción está relacionada con el dolor intenso y repentino descrito anteriormente, incluido el dolor que despierta a la persona por la noche.
Los médicos no saben con certeza por qué esto ocurre en algunas personas y no en otras. A menudo se observan problemas hormonales y metabólicos asociados a esta afección, los cuales podrían desempeñar un papel, aunque aún no se conoce su mecanismo exacto. Los depósitos están compuestos por un material calcáreo similar al que forma los huesos.
Este depósito también explica por qué resulta difícil mover el brazo: el tendón inflamado e hinchado se encuentra en un espacio reducido en la parte superior del hombro, con un saco de amortiguación lleno de líquido por encima. Al levantar el brazo hacia un lado, todo ese espacio se comprime, motivo por el cual los movimientos como estirar el brazo hacia arriba o colgar la ropa son los que más dolor causan. Rotar el brazo hacia afuera suele ser posible, pero elevarlo lateralmente suele estar ligeramente limitado.
En la mayoría de los casos, estos depósitos se resuelven por sí solos; por eso el tratamiento no quirúrgico es la primera opción. La cirugía se considera únicamente cuando el dolor persiste a pesar de otros tratamientos.
Qué podemos hacer al respecto¶
El Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirujano de miembro superior en el Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, comienza con las opciones menos invasivas que se adapten a su condición. Por lo general, los pacientes son derivados a nuestra clínica por su médico de cabecera; si un fisioterapeuta le ha sugerido que nos consulte, igualmente necesitará una derivación de su médico de cabecera para poder acceder al reembolso de Medicare. En su primera visita, tomamos su historia clínica, examinamos su hombro y solicitamos estudios de imagen cuando resultan necesarios. La ecografía es un examen sencillo y preciso para detectar depósitos de calcio en el manguito rotador. Con frecuencia, las radiografías son suficientes para planificar su tratamiento, y limitamos los estudios de imagen a aquellos verdaderamente útiles.
En la mayoría de los casos, la tendinitis calcificada se resuelve sin cirugía. El primer paso suele ser el reposo con cabestrillo, acompañado de fisioterapia para mantener el movimiento del hombro y recuperar la fuerza a medida que disminuye el dolor. Los antiinflamatorios orales pueden aliviar el dolor mientras el cuerpo elimina el depósito de calcio. En la mayoría de los casos, los síntomas desaparecen en siete a diez días, aunque el calcio aún puede observarse en radiografías posteriormente. Por lo general, damos una oportunidad razonable al tratamiento conservador antes de recurrir a opciones más invasivas.
Si las medidas simples no son suficientes, podemos ofrecer tratamientos dirigidos directamente al depósito de calcio. Una opción es la inyección de corticoides en la bursa, la bolsa amortiguadora llena de líquido situada sobre el tendón. Otra es la terapia con ondas de choque, en la que se dirigen ondas sonoras hacia el depósito desde el exterior del cuerpo; este método alivia el dolor y mejora el funcionamiento del hombro, con muy pocas complicaciones. Una tercera opción es la punción guiada por ecografía, en la que se emplea una aguja para fragmentar y eliminar el calcio bajo guía ecográfica. Tanto la punción como la terapia con ondas de choque mejoraron los síntomas y eliminaron los depósitos de calcio. Al cabo de un año, aproximadamente el 40 % de los pacientes quedaron libres de molestias con cualquiera de los dos tratamientos. La punción mostró una mejora mayor en las puntuaciones funcionales del hombro durante las primeras seis semanas, pero al año no hubo diferencias entre ambos métodos. Casi todos los pacientes sometidos a punción volverían a elegirla, frente a solo el 44 % de quienes optaron por la terapia con ondas de choque.
La cirugía se considera únicamente cuando estos tratamientos no brindan suficiente alivio. Solo evaluamos la operación después de que hayan fracasado las opciones no invasivas, pues cualquier cirugía es más invasiva que las demás alternativas. La intervención se realiza mediante incisiones mínimas y permite extraer el depósito de calcio del tendón. Si el propio tendón del manguito rotador está significativamente afectado, lo reparamos en el mismo procedimiento. Analizaremos conjuntamente si la cirugía es adecuada para usted, tomando en cuenta sus expectativas y las características de cada opción.
Qué esperar¶
En la mayoría de las personas, la tendinitis calcificada sigue su curso natural y se resuelve por sí sola. El depósito de calcio es autolimitado, lo que significa que el cuerpo acaba procesándolo sin intervención externa. Muchos depósitos se desintegran y desaparecen sin necesidad de ningún tratamiento. Medidas sencillas como el reposo, la fisioterapia y el uso de antiinflamatorios suelen ser suficientes para superar la fase dolorosa; en la mayoría de los casos, los síntomas desaparecen en un plazo de siete a diez días.
No obstante, esta afección puede ser persistente. Algunos depósitos permanecen inactivos durante meses antes de causar problemas, mientras que otros reaparecen o provocan síntomas que se prolongan en el tiempo. Si el dolor persiste mucho más allá de las primeras semanas, esto forma parte del curso habitual de la enfermedad y no indica necesariamente la aparición de algún problema nuevo. Es útil informar a su cirujano sobre la duración de sus síntomas, ya que el tratamiento suele ser más eficaz en las fases iniciales. Los depósitos más pequeños y que hayan generado síntomas durante diez meses o menos son los que tienen mayores probabilidades de responder al tratamiento con ondas de choque.
Si opta por un tratamiento no quirúrgico, la mejoría suele ser gradual y no inmediata. Tanto el tratamiento con ultrasonidos como la terapia de ondas de choque pueden aliviar el dolor y mejorar la funcionalidad del hombro en las semanas siguientes. La lavado del depósito mediante aguja también brinda alivio tanto a corto como a largo plazo, y es un procedimiento apenas invasivo. En caso de requerirse cirugía, debe esperar una recuperación progresiva y no un arreglo rápido. Tras una cirugía artroscópica, la función del hombro mejora de forma constante; a los seis meses postoperatorios, los resultados alcanzan más del 75 % de los valores normales.
Hay algunos aspectos que conviene tener en cuenta al tomar una decisión. La resonancia magnética detecta con mayor frecuencia roturas del manguito rotador junto con el depósito de calcio, por lo que su cirujano podría solicitarla. La recurrencia de los síntomas no es infrecuente, especialmente cuando el depósito se localiza en la mano o la muñeca en lugar del hombro. La mayoría de las personas responden bien al tratamiento conservador: el 72 % obtiene resultados buenos o excelentes. La cirugía queda como opción de respaldo para aquellos casos que no responden a otros tratamientos.
¿Cuándo consultar a un especialista?¶
Acuda a su médico de cabecera si experimenta un dolor de hombro repentino y intenso que aparece sin causa traumática, especialmente si es más intenso por la noche y le impide dormir. Solicite una evaluación especializada si el dolor persiste desde hace meses, le impide dormir o trabajar, o si los tratamientos sencillos no han surtido efecto. Lo mismo aplica si el dolor se localiza en la parte posterior del hombro en lugar de en el lateral, ya que este patrón menos común suele pasarse por alto. Si se ha formado algún depósito en la mano o la muñeca, mencione este hecho desde el principio, pues los síntomas en esa zona tienden a persistir o a reaparecer. Por último, si no siente ningún malestar pero los estudios de imagen revelan presencia de calcio en el hombro, simplemente mantenga una vigilancia regular.
En mayor profundidad¶
Esta sección profundiza más de lo necesario para que usted tome sus propias decisiones terapéuticas. La tendinitis calcificada merece una lectura adicional, pues se comporta de manera distinta a la mayoría de las afecciones del hombro: la formación de depósitos calcáreos es frecuente en personas que no sienten ningún dolor; el cuerpo suele disolverlos sin intervención alguna; y el tratamiento que elimina el calcio no es necesariamente el que alivia el dolor con mayor rapidez.
La presencia de depósitos es un hallazgo frecuente; no constituye automáticamente un diagnóstico¶
Los depósitos de calcio observados en su estudio de imagen pueden interpretarse fácilmente como la causa del problema, dado que son visibles y el dolor es real. Sin embargo, los datos de prevalencia complican esta interpretación. En un grupo de 1,219 adultos, los depósitos se encontraron en el 7.8 % de las personas asintomáticas y en el 42.5 % de quienes padecían síndrome de dolor subacromial [1]. En otro estudio con 302 hombros, los depósitos eran frecuentes en la población general, pero solo alrededor de un tercio producían dolor [2].
Por lo tanto, la presencia de depósitos aumenta considerablemente la probabilidad de que sean la causa del dolor; no obstante, aproximadamente uno de cada trece hombros asintomáticos también presenta dichos depósitos. Lo que parece determinar si un depósito permanece asintomático o se vuelve sintomático es, en parte, su tamaño y ubicación: la mayor probabilidad de que cause síntomas reales se da en mujeres de 30 a 60 años con dolor subacromial y depósitos de más de 1.5 cm de longitud [1]; además, el dolor se relaciona con la ubicación del depósito en el músculo supraespinoso y con la afectación de más de un tendón [2].
Por lo general se disuelve, y eso determina todo¶
El curso natural del proceso es la reabsorción; por eso muchos tratamientos parecen ser eficaces. El ejemplo más claro proviene de un ensayo aleatorizado en el que todos los pacientes recibieron punción y lavado, y luego se asignaron aleatoriamente a recibir una inyección de esteroides o de solución salina: a los doce meses, la calcificación se había reabsorbido en el 83 % del grupo tratado con solución salina y en el 74 % del grupo tratado con esteroides [3].
Lea esto con atención, pues contiene un resultado contraintuitivo. El esteroide alivió el dolor durante seis semanas y mejoró la función durante tres meses, pero no tuvo efecto significativo sobre la desaparición del calcio [3]. El alivio del dolor y la eliminación del calcio son procesos independientes. Un tratamiento puede lograr uno sin lograr el otro; además, lo que se observa en las imágenes no es lo que realmente genera los síntomas semana tras semana.
Por eso las opciones no quirúrgicas arrojan resultados similares¶
Si el depósito se resuelve en gran medida independientemente del tratamiento, lo que se busca con dichos tratamientos es hacer que el período de espera sea tolerable, más que lograr una curación definitiva. Eso es lo que revelan las comparaciones. En 257 pacientes, la fisioterapia, la inyección de corticoides y el barbotage guiado por ultrasonido arrojaron tasas similares de evitación de la cirugía [4]. En 239 pacientes, estos tres métodos tuvieron un éxito considerable; sin embargo, la fisioterapia por sí sola presentó la tasa de fracaso más alta [5].
Entre las opciones procedimentales, la terapia con ondas de choque de alta energía es el tratamiento mínimamente invasivo más estudiado; se ha demostrado que es seguro y eficaz a corto y mediano plazo. En cambio, no se ha demostrado que la punción guiada por ultrasonido sea superior a la inyección subacromial guiada por ultrasonido [6]. Al analizar datos de 1,258 pacientes, tanto la terapia con ondas de choque como la punción y la artroscopia produjeron buenos resultados clínicos [7]. Asimismo, el barbotage aplicado a 908 pacientes resultó seguro y con una alta tasa de éxito; no obstante, nunca se ha comparado directamente con las demás opciones principales [8].
Qué aporta la cirugía, expresado con precisión¶
La cirugía no carece de ventajas; su magnitud merece ser citada en lugar de simplemente descrita. Al analizar 2,352 pacientes provenientes de ensayos aleatorizados, el tratamiento quirúrgico produjo una mayor mejora en las puntuaciones funcionales y una reducción del dolor comparable al tratamiento no quirúrgico, en particular a la punción guiada por ultrasonido; ambos enfoques lograron una mejora clínicamente significativa [9]. Entre las distintas técnicas quirúrgicas, no hubo diferencias significativas; la mera extracción del depósito tuvo resultados similares a la extracción del mismo sumada a una descompresión subacromial [10].
La distinción entre función y dolor es un dato relevante. Si el dolor es el principal motivo de consulta, la evidencia no favorece claramente la intervención quirúrgica. En cambio, si la rigidez y la pérdida de función son los problemas predominantes y persisten, la cirugía resulta más indicada.
La asociación que con frecuencia se pasa por alto¶
La tendinitis calcificada no se distribuye de manera uniforme. En 102 pacientes, aquellos con algún trastorno endocrino —principalmente enfermedades tiroideas y diabetes— desarrollaron síntomas a una edad más temprana, presentaron un curso clínico significativamente más prolongado y requirieron cirugía con mayor frecuencia [11].
Vale la pena comentar esto con su médico de cabecera si su evolución clínica ha sido inusualmente larga o si los síntomas aparecieron a edad temprana. No se trata de que tratar el trastorno endocrino cure el problema del hombro, sino de que ello modifica cuál es el plazo esperado de evolución. Resulta difícil aceptar que una enfermedad es autolimitada cuando se han padecido dolores durante dos años; la asociación con trastornos endocrinos constituye una explicación de por qué esa afirmación no se aplica a todos los casos.
Referencias¶
[1] Louwerens JK, Sierevelt IN, van Hove RP, van den Bekerom MP, van Noort A. Prevalencia de depósitos calcificados en los tendones del manguito rotador en adultos con y sin síndrome de dolor subacromial: análisis clínico y radiológico de 1219 pacientes. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(10):1588-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2015.02.024
[2] Sansone V, Consonni O, Maiorano E, Meroni R, Goddi A. Tendinopatía calcificada del manguito rotador: correlación entre el dolor y las características imagenológicas en hombros femeninos sintomáticos y asintomáticos. Skeletal Radiol. 2015;45(1):49-55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-015-2240-3
[3] Darrieutort-Laffite C, Varin S, Coiffier G, Albert J, Planche L, Maugars Y, et al. ¿Son necesarias las inyecciones de corticoides tras la punción y lavado en la tendinitis calcificada? Ensayo aleatorizado, doble ciego y de no inferioridad. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019;78(6):837-43. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214971
[4] Gilbert R, Dadoo S, Lin R, Bhardwaj N, McMahon S, Steuer F, et al. Comparación entre fisioterapia, inyecciones de corticoides y barbotaje guiado por ultrasonido para el tratamiento no quirúrgico de la tendinitis calcificada. Orthop J Sports Med. 2026;14(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671261434919
[5] Drummond M, Ayinon C, Lin A, Dunn R. Eficacia relativa de tres tratamientos no quirúrgicos para la tendinitis calcificada: fisioterapia vs inyección de esteroides vs barbotaje. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021;9(7_suppl4). https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967121S00210
[6] Louwerens JK, Sierevelt IN, van Noort A, van den Bekerom MP. Evidencia sobre terapias mínimamente invasivas en el manejo de la tendinopatía calcificada crónica del manguito rotador: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1240-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2014.02.002
[7] Louwerens JK, Veltman ES, van Noort A, van den Bekerom MP. Eficacia de la terapia con ondas de choque extracorpóreas de alta energía frente a la punción guiada por ultrasonido y la cirugía artroscópica en el tratamiento de la tendinopatía calcificada crónica del manguito rotador: revisión sistemática. Arthroscopy. 2015;32(1):165-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2015.06.049
[8] Gatt DL, Charalambous CP. Barbotaje guiado por ultrasonido para la tendinitis calcificada del hombro: revisión sistemática que incluye a 908 pacientes. Arthroscopy. 2014;30(9):1166-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2014.03.013
[9] Angileri HS, Gohal C, Comeau-Gauthier M, Owen MM, Shanmugaraj A, Terry MA, et al. Tendinitis calcificada crónica del manguito rotador: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de ensayos controlados aleatorizados que comparan intervenciones quirúrgicas y no quirúrgicas. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2023;32(8):1746-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2023.03.017
[10] Anam E, Zahran S, Roy A, Daneshvar P, Bicknell RT, Janssen I. Enfoques quirúrgicos para la tendinitis calcificada del hombro: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2024;4(3):353-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.03.013
[11] Harvie P, Pollard TC, Carr AJ. Tendinitis calcificada: historia natural y relación con trastornos endocrinos. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16(2):169-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2006.06.007
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview¶
Non-Operative Management¶
- Conservative treatment is the primary choice for calcific tendinitis, especially in patients with acute calcific tendinitis [22].
- Conservative treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder showed clinically significant improvement, with 72% of excellent or good results regardless of the location, radiologic type and size, and initial symptoms of calcific deposits [8].
- Ultrasound treatment helps resolve calcifications and is associated with short-term clinical improvement in patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder [1].
- Treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder with shock waves has produced a high rate of success in pain relief and functional restoration with negligible associated complications [9].
- Patients with calcific lesions >1 cm had a 2.8 increased likelihood to undergo operative treatment in the setting of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder [4].
Operative Management¶
- Surgical treatment of calcific tendinitis gives good results in 88.5% of patients resistant to medical treatment [11].
- Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis provides good to excellent clinical results [17].
- Arthroscopic removal of calcification leads to improved clinical outcomes in patients with chronic calcific tendinitis, but at least 6 months of follow-up is needed for these improvements to become statistically significant [13].
- Patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of a calcific deposit in the shoulder had satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes at the final follow-up, with functional scores improving slowly and reaching more than 75 percent at six months after surgery [14].
- Endoscopic and open surgery are equally effective in the treatment of chronic calcifying tendinopathy, showing similar clinical and sonographic results [33].
- Routine diagnostic glenohumeral exploration does not appear beneficial in arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinitis due to the low prevalence of intraarticular pathologies which most frequently do not require surgical treatment [19].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Epidemiology and Demographics¶
- Calcific tendon deposits of the shoulder are a frequent occurrence in the general population, although only one third are painful [2].
- In approximately 20% of cases, subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy are asymptomatic [7].
- Subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy were often female aged between 30 and 60 [7].
- Women are approximately 1.5 times more often affected than men [71].
- The incidence of calcifying tendinitis in the general population is 2.5-20% [71].
- In about 10% of individuals, calcific deposits are found bilaterally [7].
Anatomical Location¶
- Calcium deposits are most commonly located at the level of the supraspinatus tendon [7].
- In approximately 80% of patients, calcifying tendinitis occurs in the supraspinatus tendon, 1.5-2 cm from the tendinous insertion at the greater tuberosity [71].
- The greater tuberosity serves as the attachment site for the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor tendons of the rotator cuff [43].
- The subacromial bursa and subdeltoid bursa pass underneath the coracoacromial arch [43].
Pathogenesis and Staging¶
- The pathogenesis of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy remains unclear [7, 23].
- Endocrine and metabolic disorders were often described as comorbidity in subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy [7].
- Endocrine disorders probably play an important role in the development of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, but the effect of this process is still unknown [7].
- The reactive calcification theory proposed by Uthoff in 1997 consists of a three-stages process: pre-calcific, calcific, and post-calcific stage [7].
- During the pre-calcific stage, tenocytes undergo a metaplastic transformation into chondrocytes within the site where the calcium deposits will subsequently form [7].
- The calcific stage is divided into three phases: the formative phase, the resting phase, and the resorptive phase [7].
- In the formative phase, calcium deposits increase in size [7].
- The resting phase is characterized by the presence of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff [7].
- The resorptive phase is associated with acute, sudden onset of extremely severe pain [29, 30].
- Uhthoff and Loehr described cartilage metaplasia as a reactionary process in an active biologic environment [23].
- The precalcific stage consists of predominantly fibrocartilaginous metaplasia presumably within less vascular areas of the tendon [23].
- In the formative phase of the calcific stage, matrix vesicles unite to become calcific deposits that are separated by fibrocartilage [23].
- Calcific deposits consist of two different forms of hydroxyapatite: A type and B type [23].
- The composition of an individual deposit can have a mixture of the two types of hydroxyapatite, but each individual phase has a different composition [23].
- Calcium is deposited in the fibrocartilaginous matrix of the tendon as calcium carbonate apatite [29, 30].
- Shorter length of the infraspinatus tendon and specific subacromial bursa anatomy may explain the intramuscular migration of calcium deposits leading to infraspinatus myotendinous junction tears [5].
Clinical Presentation¶
- Subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy often reported nightly, acute, unilateral and severe pain with spontaneous onset [7].
- Subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy often reported deficit in active and passive range of motion, mainly in abduction and flexion [7].
- Calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus does not typically cause loss of external rotation but is frequently associated with mild isolated restriction of abduction [12].
Classification¶
- Calcific deposits in the rotator cuff are most commonly located at the level of the supraspinatus tendon [7].
- In approximately 10% of individuals with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, the deposits are found bilaterally [7].
- In 20% of cases of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, the subjects are asymptomatic [7].
- The supraspinatus tendon was the most frequently affected tendon in 82.7% of patients with calcific deposits within the rotator cuff [41].
- The infraspinatus tendon was affected in 8.4% of patients with calcific deposits within the rotator cuff [41].
- The subscapularis tendon was affected in 8.9% of patients with calcific deposits within the rotator cuff [41].
- Two or more tendons were affected in 9% of patients with calcific deposits within the rotator cuff [41].
- The median length of calcific deposits in the rotator cuff was 1.16 cm [41].
- Calcific deposits were categorized as Gärtner type I in 38.4% of cases, type II in 47.0% of cases, and type III in 14.6% of cases [41].
- A widely accepted method of classification based on radiographic appearance defines type A as dense, rounded, and sharply delineated deposits [69].
- A widely accepted method of classification based on radiographic appearance defines type B as multilobular in appearance, still radiodense, and sharply outlined deposits [69].
- A widely accepted method of classification based on radiographic appearance defines type C as more radiolucent and heterogeneous with irregular outlines [69].
- A widely accepted method of classification based on radiographic appearance defines type D as dystrophic calcific lesions of the tendon insertion [69].
- Calcium deposition can be characterized as discrete or fragmented and dense or fluffy using the classification scheme developed by Mole et al [63].
- Approximately 76% of calcifications were dense (type A or B) and 24% were fluffy (type C) in a study analyzing subacromial decompression and deposit removal [63].
- Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff with tuberosity osteolysis is a distinctive form of calcific tendinitis that should be considered in clinical and surgical practice [18].
Clinical Presentation¶
- In 20% of cases, subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy are asymptomatic [7].
- Calcium deposits in rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy are most commonly located at the level of the supraspinatus tendon [7].
- In about 10% of individuals with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, the deposits are found bilaterally [7].
- Subjects with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy often report nightly, acute, unilateral and severe pain with spontaneous onset [7].
- Subjects complaining of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy were often female aged between 30 and 60 [7].
- Calcific tendinitis is a poorly understood condition in which symptoms can be protracted, resulting in time off work and impaired quality of life [6].
- Demographic, radiographic, and clinical features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in the Korean population were not different from those of Western populations [20].
- Atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis can involve the teres minor and present with isolated posterior shoulder pain affecting overhead movement [27].
- Recognition of atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis with bone erosion may prevent unnecessary biopsy and overtreatment [15].
Investigations¶
Imaging Modalities and Techniques¶
- Ultrasound is a simple and accurate test for identifying rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis [51].
- Ultrasound can be useful in guiding injections or barbotage, which involves aspirating calcific deposits in the rotator cuff [51].
- At least two X-ray views should be obtained for shoulder imaging: an anteroposterior view in the plane of the glenoid and an axillary projection with the arm in abduction [51].
- The axillary projection with the arm in abduction shows the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid [51].
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify rotator cuff tears, although accuracy for these is enhanced by combining the scan with arthrography [51].
- MRI is useful to identify osteonecrosis of the humeral head or a bone tumour [51].
- Computed tomography (CT) is helpful for planning fracture surgery and shoulder joint replacement [51].
- The purpose of shoulder imaging is to help establish the diagnosis, determine the severity of the pathoanatomy, assist in surgical planning, and enable the surgeon to illustrate the condition of the shoulder to the patient [26].
- Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for shoulder care [26].
- The first key radiographic view is the anteroposterior (AP) view in the plane of the scapula, taken so that the x-ray beam passes through the glenohumeral joint [26].
- The AP view shows the superoinferior position of the humeral head relative to the glenoid, presence of osteophytes, narrowing of the joint space, degree of medial displacement of the humerus, quality of bone, presence of loose bodies, and whether there is humeral head collapse or deformity [26].
- The second key radiographic view is the axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula [26].
- The axillary view is referred to as the “truth view” because it demonstrates glenohumeral relationships in the functional position of elevation [26].
- CT scans have the disadvantage of being taken with the arm in the adducted position, unlike the axillary truth view [26].
- The standardized axillary view enables measurement of posterior subluxation or “functional decentering” that is not evident in images taken with the arm at the side [26].
- The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the plane of the scapula, the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the glenoid face, or the point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface [26].
- The point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface reflects the degree of centering of the net humeral joint reaction force on the glenoid [26].
- A robust approach to imaging the shoulder must recognize that the shoulder is a three-dimensional structure that cannot be represented by a single planar view [53].
- Critical relationships, such as the degree of centering of the humeral head, change with the position of the arm [53].
- Shoulder pathology may be found in a large number of different bones and soft tissues [53].
- Overlying and superimposed structures as well as metallic implants may complicate imaging the structures of interest [53].
- Surgeons need to develop a judicious approach to imaging that yields necessary information while avoiding the tendency to "over-image" [53].
Diagnostic Findings and Clinical Correlations¶
- Restriction of passive glenohumeral abduction combined with normal passive external rotation is a diagnostic feature of calcific tendinitis [12].
- The incidence of rotator cuff tears in cases of calcific tendonitis is higher than previously reported in cohorts undergoing MRI [36].
- Shoulder surgeons should be cautious about rotator cuff tears as a comorbidity in calcific tendinitis and aware of the accuracy limitations of sonographic or MRI evaluation [24].
- Imaging and functional data indicate that calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff with tuberosity osteolysis is a distinctive form of calcific tendinitis that should be considered in clinical and surgical practice [18].
- This case highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis, particularly in the context of isolated posterior shoulder pain [27].
- Shorter length of the infraspinatus tendon and specific subacromial bursa anatomy may explain the intramuscular migration of calcium deposits leading to the lesion [5].
- The paper illustrates the dynamic pathological process of calcific tendinopathy, including migration patterns of calcium deposits, and discusses clinical and sonographic assessment to optimize diagnosis, rehabilitation, and interventional management for functional recovery [21].
Ultrasound-Specific Assessment and Management¶
- US elastography is recommended for all patients with calcific tendinosis, except for those with the arc morphological type, before making management decisions [37].
- A complex case report illustrates the value of the surgeon performing ultrasound of the shoulder to diagnose an intraosseous calcifying tendinitis [34].
- Accuracy of rotator cuff ultrasonography depends on the skill of the scanner operator and an awareness of pitfalls that are encountered [49].
- Introducing 10 common pitfalls of rotator cuff ultrasonography helps reduce overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of rotator cuff pathology [49].
- In 70% of shoulders treated with ultrasonography-guided lavage for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis, the treatment resulted in significant reduction of symptoms [49].
- Calcifications that were softer and middle-sized (12 to 17 mm) had more significant improvement after ultrasonography-guided lavage [49].
- Better results from ultrasonography-guided lavage occurred in patients aged 30 to 40 years [49].
Treatment¶
Non-Operative Management¶
- Nonoperative treatment consists of physical therapy, therapeutic modalities, and injections [29].
- Initial conservative treatment includes rest in a sling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and injection of corticosteroid into the subacromial bursa [61].
- In most cases of calcific tendinitis, clinical symptoms resolve spontaneously in seven to ten days, while the calcium deposit may persist on radiographs [61].
- Symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder has a good likelihood to completely resolve in the long-term [3].
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) effectively reduced painful symptomatology and increased shoulder function in patients with chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder [39].
- Shock wave therapy is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, producing a high rate of success in pain relief and functional restoration with negligible complications [16].
- Shock wave therapy is a heterogeneous but effective treatment for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder [57].
- Both ultrasound-guided needling and extracorporeal shock wave therapy improved clinical outcomes and eliminated calcium deposits in patients with calcific tendinitis [31].
- Ultrasound-guided needling showed a higher decrease in calcium deposits compared to radial shockwave therapy at 6 weeks [62].
- Ultrasound-guided needling showed a significantly higher improvement in the Oxford Score pre- and post-treatment compared to radial shockwave therapy [62].
- After one year, there was no significant difference in NRS and Oxford Score between ultrasound-guided needling and radial shockwave therapy groups [62].
- Approximately 40% of patients were free of complaints after one year in both the ultrasound-guided needling and radial shockwave therapy groups [62].
- Only 44% of patients in the radial shockwave therapy group would choose this treatment again, compared to almost every patient in the ultrasound-guided needling group [62].
- "Needling and lavage" of the lesion under image guidance has been described and is often successful [29].
- Percutaneous needle barbotage of calcium deposits has been demonstrated to provide pain relief and improved symptoms in patients suffering from calcific tendonitis [40].
- Unsatisfactory results were found in 20% to 30% of cases treated with extracorporeal shockwave therapy [61].
Operative Management¶
- In athletes with calcifying tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon with failed nonoperative treatment, complete arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits and tendon repair without acromioplasty results in significant pain relief and improvement in functional outcomes [60].
- Arthroscopic excision has been successful in between 50% and 82% of cases [61].
- Open or arthroscopic surgery are only considered after failure of other noninvasive treatments due to concerns about their invasiveness [61].
- The rotator cuff should be repaired if it is significantly involved during surgical treatment [29].
Complications¶
- Recurrence and persistent symptoms are not rare in patients with peritendinous calcific deposits in the hand and wrist [10].
- The incidence of rotator cuff tears in cases of calcific tendonitis is higher than previously reported in a cohort of patients who underwent MRI [36].
Recovery¶
Natural History and Prognosis¶
- Periarticular calcific deposits are self-limiting and respond to conservative treatment, whereas recurrence and persistent symptoms are not rare in patients with peritendinous calcific deposits in the hand and wrist [10].
Non-Operative Recovery¶
- Percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage is effective in the short term and in the long term in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, with results similar to or better than those published for other techniques, and it is only slightly invasive and painful [38].
- A symptom duration of ≤10 months or calcification size of ≤10.82 mm represented the clinical scenarios most likely to show resorption after ESWT [81].
- Calcific deposits disappeared in the same percentage of patients in both groups of a randomized clinical trial comparing two different energy levels for extracorporeal shock-wave therapy [83].
Operative Recovery¶
- The short-term functional outcome of patients with calcific tendonitis after arthroscopic bursectomy and debridement of the calcific deposit is not influenced if performed in combination with or without a subacromial decompression [35].
Key Evidence¶
- [L1] In patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, ultrasound treatment helps resolve calcifications and is associated with short-term clinical improvement. [1] (10.1056/nejm199905203402002)
- [L3] Calcific tendon deposits of the shoulder are a frequent occurrence in the general population, although only one third are painful. [2] (10.1007/s00256-015-2240-3)
- [L1] Symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder has a good likelihood to completely resolve in the long-term. [3] (10.1097/phm.0000000000000939)
- [L3] Patients with calcific lesions >1 cm had a 2.8 increased likelihood to undergo operative treatment in the setting of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. [4] (10.1016/j.jseint.2021.01.013)
- [L4] Shorter length of the infraspinatus tendon and specific subacromial bursa anatomy may explain the intramuscular migration of calcium deposits leading to the lesion. [5] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.01.092)
- [L3] Calcific tendinitis is a poorly understood condition in which symptoms can be protracted, resulting in time off work and impaired quality of life. [6] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.06.007)
- [L3] [7] (10.1177/17585732241244515)
- [L2] Conservative treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder showed clinically significant improvement, with 72% of excellent or good results regardless of the location, radiologic type and size, and initial symptoms of calcific deposits. [8] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.07.008)
- [L2] Treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder with shock waves has produced a high rate of success in pain relief and functional restoration with negligible associated complications. [9] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.03.023)
- [L3] Periarticular calcific deposits are self-limiting and respond to conservative treatment, whereas recurrence and persistent symptoms are not rare in patients with peritendinous calcific deposits in the hand and wrist. [10] (10.1177/1753193413478393)
- [L4] Surgical treatment of calcific tendinitis gives good results in 88.5% of patients resistant to medical treatment. [11] (10.1007/s100670050108)
- [L3] Calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus does not typically cause loss of external rotation but is frequently associated with mild isolated restriction of abduction. [12] (10.1177/2325967117752907)
- [L4] Arthroscopic removal of calcification leads to improved clinical outcomes in patients with chronic calcific tendinitis, but at least 6 months of follow-up is needed for these improvements to become statistically significant. [13] (10.5397/cise.2018.21.2.75)
- [Paper] Patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of a calcific deposit in the shoulder had satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes at the final follow-up, with functional scores improving slowly and reaching more than 75 percent at six months after surgery. [14] (10.1016/j.otsr.2020.03.005)
- [L5] Recognition of atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis with bone erosion may prevent unnecessary biopsy and overtreatment. [15] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.02.009)
- [L3] Shock wave therapy is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, producing a high rate of success in pain relief and functional restoration with negligible complications. [16] (10.1177/03635465030310031701)
- [L3] Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis provides good to excellent clinical results. [17] (10.1177/03635465211037690)
- [L2] Imaging and functional data indicate that calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff with tuberosity osteolysis is a distinctive form of calcific tendinitis that should be considered in clinical and surgical practice. [18] (10.1016/j.jse.2008.09.016)
- [L3] Routine diagnostic glenohumeral exploration does not appear beneficial in arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinitis due to the low prevalence of intraarticular pathologies which most frequently do not require surgical treatment. [19] (10.1186/s12891-017-1839-z)
- [L4] This study reported demographic, radiographic, and clinical features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in the Korean population, which were not different from those of Western populations. [20] (10.5397/cise.2020.00010)
- [L5] The paper illustrates the dynamic pathological process of calcific tendinopathy, including migration patterns of calcium deposits, and discusses clinical and sonographic assessment to optimize diagnosis, rehabilitation, and interventional management for functional recovery. [21] (10.3390/diagnostics12123097)
- [L5] The primary choice of treatment for calcific tendinitis is conservative, especially in patients with acute calcific tendinitis. [22] (10.5397/cise.2020.00318)
- [L5] [23] (10.5435/jaaos-22-11-707)
- [L3] Shoulder surgeons should be cautious about rotator cuff tears as a comorbidity in calcific tendinitis and aware of the accuracy limitations of sonographic or MRI evaluation. [24] (10.5397/cise.2021.00094)
- [Case_report] This case highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis, particularly in the context of isolated posterior shoulder pain. [27] (10.1016/j.jisako.2025.101055)
- [L2] Both treatment modalities for calcific tendinitis improved clinical outcomes and eliminated calcium deposits. [31] (10.1016/j.jse.2014.06.036)
- [L1] Endoscopic and open surgery are equally effective in the treatment of chronic calcifying tendinopathy, showing similar clinical and sonographic results. [33] (10.1097/01.blo.0000063786.32430.22)
- [L4] This complex case report illustrates the value of the surgeon performing ultrasound of the shoulder to diagnose an intraosseous calcifying tendinitis. [34] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.09.012)
- [L1] This study has demonstrated that the short-term functional outcome of patients with calcific tendonitis after arthroscopic bursectomy and debridement of the calcific deposit is not influenced if performed in combination with or without a subacromial decompression. [35] (10.1016/j.arthro.2015.05.015)
- [L4] The incidence of rotator cuff tears in cases of calcific tendonitis in this cohort of patients who underwent MRI is higher than previously reported. [36] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.11.127)
- [L4] We recommend that US elastography be performed for all patients with calcific tendinosis, except for those with the arc morphological type, before making management decisions. [37] (10.1016/j.jcma.2015.05.006)
- [L4] Percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage is effective in the short term and in the long term in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, with results similar to or better than those published for other techniques, and it is only slightly invasive and painful. [38] (10.2214/ajr.07.2254)
- [L2] ESWT effectively reduced painful symptomatology and increased shoulder function in patients with chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. [39] (10.1136/ard.62.3.248)
- [L4] [40] (10.1177/2325967121s00655)
- [L3] [41] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.02.024)
- [L1] Shock wave therapy is a heterogeneous but effective treatment for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. [57] (10.1177/1941738108331197)
- [L4] In athletes with calcifying tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon with failed nonoperative treatment, complete arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits and tendon repair without acromioplasty results in significant pain relief and improvement in functional outcomes. [60] (10.1177/2325967116669310)
- [L3] [61] (10.1302/0301-620x.99b12.bjj-2016-1178.r1)
- [L2] [62] (10.1016/j.jor.2017.07.011)
- [L3] [63] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.038)
- [L4] [69] (10.1016/j.jse.2004.04.001)
- [L2] [71] (10.1177/0269215510396740)
- [L3] A symptom duration of ≤10 months or calcification size of ≤10.82 mm represented the clinical scenarios most likely to show resorption after ESWT. [81] (10.1177/23259671241231609)
- [L2] Calcific deposits disappeared in the same percentage of patients in both groups. [83] (10.2522/ptj.20110252)
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