Calcifying tendinitis.

Calcifying tendinitis is not due to a dystrophic calcification of the degenerative tendinous tissue but due to a cell mediated reactive process. In fact, following formation of a deposit resorption usually ensues which in turn will be followed by a tendon reconstitution. If patent conservative measures fail, surgery should only be contemplated in the presence of radiologically dense, homogenous and well delineated deposits which indicate that the resorptive activity has not set in. If, on the other hand, there is evidence of ongoing resorption the decision for surgery should be postponed since only exceptionally natural resorption will not occur.