Radiologic course of the calcific deposits in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: does the initial radiologic aspect affect the final results?

Abstract

Hypothesis: Although conservative treatment is the first option for the treatment of calcific tendinitis, only a few reports have described its results, without documenting the radiologic changes over time of calcific deposits. We hypothesized that conservative treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder would produce good clinical results in most patients and that the initial radiologic appearance of calcific deposits would not affect the final results.

Materials and methods: The study enrolled 87 consecutive patients (92 shoulders) who were diagnosed with calcific tendinitis and underwent conservative treatment. The mean age at the time of first visit was 53.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 16.1 months.

Results: At the final follow-up, the Constant score increased to 83.64 points from a mean of 76.17 points at initial visit (P < .001). The score on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale improved from 23.42 to 29.69 points (P < .001), and there were 7 excellent (8%), 59 good (64%), and 26 poor (28%) results. Eleven shoulders (12%) revealed complete resolution of calcific deposits; 46 (50%) decreased in size; 18 (20%) had no change in size; and 17 (18%) increased in size.

Discussion: Most patients in calcific tendinitis require treatment due to very severe shoulder pain, and conservative treatment may take precedence over operative treatment. Radiologic changes of calcific deposits report varying results depending on treatment methods. This study suggested that good radiologic results may be expected without performing special therapies.

Conclusion: Conservative treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder showed clinically significant improvement, with 72% of excellent or good results regardless of the location, radiologic type and size, and initial symptoms of calcific deposits. By radiologic type, 46% of the calcific deposits had a tendency to become more cloudy and inhomogeneous than initial findings, and 62% presented complete resolution or decrease in the size.