Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder

Calcific tendonitis occurs when calcium deposits build up in the shoulder area. This condition occurs in patients aged 40 to 50 years.

Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatments
Aftercare
FAQs

Symptoms

The calcium deposits lead to bursitis. As a result, the patient experiences intense pain in the shoulder. This pain arises when lying down, under exertion, and when working with the arms overhead.

Those affected report sudden, seemingly spontaneous shoulder pain and a sudden inability to move their arm.

Causes

Calcific tendonitis in the shoulder is attributed to reduced blood flow to the rotator cuff. This increases the pressure on the tendon tissue and leads to a very poor supply of oxygen. As a result, fibrous cartilage tissue forms, where calcium salts are gradually deposited.

Diagnosis

Ultrasound and X-ray are important measures for diagnosing calcific tendonitis in the shoulder. The calcium deposits are easily identified with the help of ultrasound.

To rule out other diseases, the doctor may request a CT or MRI scan in individual cases.

Treatments

Conservative therapies

In most cases, conservative treatment provides adequate pain relief. Calcific tendonitis can be treated with medication to reduce the inflammation, shock wave therapy and physiotherapy.

Surgical treatment

If the condition is not improved with conservative treatment, there is the option of surgery. An arthroscopy can be carried out to remove and suction out the calcium deposits on the tendons.

Aftercare

The shoulder needs to be immobilised with a sling bandage for a few days after the operation. After that, full use can resume.

FAQs

What happens if calcified tendonitis is left untreated?

If left untreated, the calcium deposits can put pressure on other tendons and the bursa. This leads to shoulder impingement.

Will the calcium in the shoulder dissolve on its own?

Calcium deposits can dissolve by themselves, in which case the symptoms will decrease.

Doctors with this specialisation

Privatklinik Lindberg

Dr. med. Markus Pisan

Specialisation
Orthopaedic surgery, Shoulder surgery, Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, Shoulder impingement, Shoulder dislocation, Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder View more
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Privatklinik Lindberg

Dr. med. Alexa Schmied-Steinbach

Specialisation
Orthopaedic surgery, Shoulder surgery, Hip surgery, Frozen shoulder, Hip osteoarthritis, Hip impingement, Hip prosthesis, Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, Shoulder impingement, Shoulder dislocation, Shoulder prosthesis View more
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Privatklinik Lindberg

Dr. med. Marco Niemann

Specialisation
Orthopaedic surgery, Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, Osteoarthritis of the knee, Knee arthroscopy, Cruciate ligament tear, Knee prosthesis, Knee pain and knee surgery, Shoulder surgery, Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, Shoulder impingement, Hip surgery, Hip osteoarthritis, Hip prosthesis, Hip impingement View more
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Privatklinik Lindberg

Dr. med. Martin Lauterburg

Specialisation
Orthopaedic surgery, Sports medicine, Hip surgery, Hip prosthesis, Knee pain and knee surgery, Knee arthroscopy, Meniscus tear, Cruciate ligament tear, Shoulder surgery, Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, Hand surgery, Foot/ankle surgery, Hallux valgus, Osteoarthritis of the knee, Hip osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis of the ankle, Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, , , , , , , , , , View more
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