Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: a review of operative versus nonoperative management

Abstract

Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder involves calcification and degeneration of the rotator cuff tendon near its insertion point on the greater tuberosity. The purpose of this review is to analyze recent literature evaluating the clinical outcomes of non-operative and operative treatment for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder. Conservative management, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT), and surgical intervention will be reviewed.

Keywords: Calcific tendinopathy; arthroscopy; extracorporeal shockwave therapy; rotator cuff; ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation.