[Imaging-guided needle puncture, infiltration and lavage of rotator cuff calcifications. Retrospective evaluation of 50 cases of treated periarthritis]

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate mid term efficiency of imaging-guided needle puncture trituration and lavage (RPTL) in rotator cuff calcifications after failure of medical treatment. Materials and Methods. Fifty shoulders with rotator cuff calcifications (supra and infra-spinatus: 97%) from 42 patients, mean of 50.2 year old (M/F=10/32), were treated by RPTL. To establish a satisfaction score and potential undesirable effects, the follow-up was obtained by a telephone questionnaire after a median interval of 29.2 months.

Results: Eighty-eight percent of patients had excellent or very good results (cured: 62%, very improved: 26%). Four percent felt partially better and 8% failed but did not undergo surgery. No complication was noted. 41% suffered acute pain in the 24 hours following the procedure even though they were on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy (NSAID).

Conclusion: These good results after more than two years support the promotion of this economical ambulatory treatment.