[Focused lithotripsy in the treatment of tendinosis calcarea of the shoulder: results at 2 months and one year]

Abstract

Objective: The authors report their experience with extracorporeal lithotripsy in 30 patients with calcific tendinosis of the rotator cuff.

Materials and method: This technique is based upon the utilization of high-energy shockwaves (6000 shocks in 3 sessions Day 1, D8, D30) under continuous ultrasound localization of the lesion (EPOS Ultra1). Calcification were evaluated at plain film, US and CT to characterize their length and features.

Results: Complete or partial resorption of calcifying deposits within 2 months and one year was observed in 27.5% and 25% of cases respectively. Clinical improvement results are encouraging at two months (50%), but reduced at one year (28.5%), consistent with the rate of resorption of calcifications.

Conclusion: This painful, long, and expensive technique seems to be disappointing in the treatment of the calcific tendinosis.