Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff. Conservative management with 434 Mhz local microwave diathermy (hyperthermia): a case study.

PURPOSE

To report the effects of local microwave diathermy (hyperthermia) at 434 Mhz on calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder in two middle aged patients.

METHODS

Two middle-aged women with calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder were treated with local microwave diathermy (hyperthermia) at 434 Mhz three times a week for four weeks. Plain radiographs and ultrasonography demonstrated calcific deposits in the area of infraspinatus or supraspinatus. Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and passive Range of Motion (ROM) were used to assess the response to treatment.

RESULTS

At the end of the treatment period, the improvement as measured by the SPADI score was respectively 30% for the first patient and 40% for the second patient with an improvement of the shoulder passive ROM for both patients. The calcific deposits seen on the initial radiographs and ultrasonography were no longer visible. At 1 year follow-up, both patients continued to be symptom free.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperthermia is a safe option in the management of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder. Prospective randomized controlled studies with long term assessment are needed to further document its therapeutic efficacy.