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Calcific tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder pain and can cause the patient intense irritation and discomfort given the severity of the pain and the duration of the symptoms. It is a problem that afflicts many people, especially women, which can, however, be solved quickly and permanently, with a simple and minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure.

• What causes calcific tendinitis?

Calcific tendinitis is caused by the gradual accumulation of calcium salts within the tendons of the rotator cuff of the shoulder, i.e. the tendons that are responsible for the movement and smooth functioning of the upper limb and shoulder. The tissues around the deposition of salts can become inflamed, causing intense pain in the shoulder and difficulty in moving the arm. The condition is quite common, with a higher incidence after the age of 40.

No one really knows what causes calcific tendonitis. Severe wear and tear, aging, or a combination of the two are implicated in degenerative calcification. Some researchers believe that calcium deposits form because there is not enough oxygen in the tendon tissues. Others believe that pressure on the tendons can damage them, causing calcium deposits to form.

• What are the symptoms of calcific tendonitis?

Typically, patients experience pain during the period when calcium deposits are deposited in the tendons. The pain can be mild to moderate. For some unknown reason, calcific tendonitis becomes very painful when the deposits are reabsorbed. The pain and stiffness caused by calcific tendonitis can significantly impair shoulder movement, while in the most severe cases the pain can be so severe that it affects the patient’s sleep.

• How is calcific tendonitis diagnosed?

In addition to a clinical examination and history taking by an experienced and specialized Orthopedic, a simple X-ray of the shoulder is sufficient to reveal calcium deposits. An ultrasound of the shoulder is also particularly helpful, as it can reveal even small deposits of salts.

• What are the treatment options for calcific tendonitis?

Usually, calcific tendonitis is treated conservatively, with the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. However, in many cases this is not enough to relieve the patient from pain and intense inflammation is caused. Also, conservative treatment requires time and discipline, resulting in many patients giving up halfway or neglecting it. This carries the risk of tendon rupture and shoulder stiffness.

That is why, even in the most serious cases, the recommended solution is arthroscopic removal of the calcification, a very short procedure (only 30 minutes) and minimally invasive that solves the problem immediately and permanently!

During the operation, the surgeon opens a small hole in the skin through which he inserts the arthroscope. With the help of the microscopic camera of the arthroscope, the surgeon locates the area of ​​calcium salt deposition and proceeds to remove them with maximum precision and efficiency.

The patient is discharged from the hospital the same day and returns to his/her normal life!

It should be noted, however, that shoulder arthroscopy for the removal of calcifications should be performed by experienced and specialized Orthopaedic Surgeons in this operation and in centers that have the necessary infrastructure. Athens Medical Group continuously invests in the most modern biomedical equipment, which is reflected in the fact that every year it hosts a large number of arthroscopic repair operations for calcific tendonitis with excellent results and high patient satisfaction rates.