[Effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on tendinosis calcarea of the shoulder. A preliminary report]

Abstract

The aim of a prospective study was to examine the effects of high energetic shock wave treatment on the course of calcareous tendinitis of the shoulder. 20 patients were entered into the study. Shock waves were applied to the calcifications with a Lithotripter MFL 5000 in two sessions of 2000 impulses each. The shock wave producing energy was 18 kV-22 kV. 6 and 12 weeks after treatment subjective and functional condition was checked by means of a 100-points functional score; all patients underwent x-ray control and MRI imaging.

Results: After 12 weeks 14 patients showed a marked improvement of symptoms, the average improvement on score measuring 25 points. The x-rays of 7 patients showed a complete resorption of the calcifications, in 5 cases partial disintegration of the calcium deposits was seen. The overall morbidity was low with 14 patients developing transient hematomas; MRI imaging showed no severe damages of bone and soft tissue.