Calcific Tendonitis

Calcific tendonitis is a disorder of the shoulder marked by severe pain and loss of active motion. The etiology is unknown, although metabolic and endocrine disorders have been implicated. A calcific lesion forms in the tendon (usually the supraspinatus), which can be seen on radiographs. MRI is performed if rotator cuff tear is suspected and for surgical planning. There are two subtypes, including degenerative and reactive. The reactive subtype has three stages which describe the pathology and symptoms. They are precalcific, calcific, and postcalcific. Treatment is generally nonoperative, including PT, NSAIDs, subacromial injections, and barbotage. If nonoperative therapies fail to relieve symptoms, operative treatment may be employed, including debridement with or without extraction of the deposit.