OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic treatment in patients with calcific tendonitis of the shoulder. METHODS: Between September 2001 and June 2006, 55 patients with calcific tendonitis of the shoulder that was resistant to prior conservative treatment were evaluated, with follow-up of 12 to 70 months. The mean age was 42 years, ranging from 30 to 64 years; 44 patients were female (80%), with 37 right shoulders, with a predominance of 63.63% . Pain was the main symptom, and the mean time between onset of symptoms and arthroscopy was 38 months (five to 120 months). In relation to the affected tendons, the supraspinatus tendon was predominant, with 42 cases, the infraspinatus in 11, and an association between the two in 2 cases. Acromioplasty was carried out in 12 patients (21.82%) and subacromial bursectomy was performed in all cases. RESULTS: According to the UCLA evaluation system, 46 cases were classified as excellent and 6 as good, making a total of 52 satisfactory results achieved (94.54%). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendonitis of the shoulder appears to be an effective method, with high rates of satisfactory results. Associated acromioplasty is not necessary.
Shoulder; Shoulder; Arthroscopy; Tendinopathy; Diagnostic imaging
