Arthroscopic management of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder--do we need to remove all the deposit?

Results of arthroscopic management of chronic, recalcitrant calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder in 28 patients were evaluated. Twenty-six patients (average age, 44 years) were ultimately enrolled in the study. Postoperative radiographs were performed to determine the amount of calcium deposit removal. Radiographic examination 2 months after surgery was performed to evaluate further deposit changes. The Constant score showed a statistically significant improvement in all patients. Better results were obtained when complete removal of the calcifications was achieved. On radiographic examination, performed two months after surgery, no calcification deposit increased in size and no translucent deposit changed into a dense deposit. Most of the dense deposits, partially removed, changed into translucent deposits. In this series, we found arthroscopic management was effective in treating calcific tendinopathy.