Intra-articular findings in shoulder joints affected by calcific tendinitis

Abstract

Additional pathologies accompanying calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff still remain unknown. The hypothesis of this study was that there are various additional pathologies accompanying calcific tendinitis, which might need further treatment. This study aimed to document intra-articular pathologies and investigate whether the location and spread of calcific tendinitis are associated with intra-articular pathologies and impairment in range of motion. Arthroscopy was performed on 53 patients for chronic calcific tendinitis. Documentation included demographic baseline variables, intraoperative findings of all structures in the glenohumeral joint, range of motion, joint laxity under general anesthesia, and basic details of intraoperative procedures. In all, 189 additional pathologies were found, 77 during intra-articular arthroscopy. Of all extra- and intra-articular pathologies, 74 and 70%, respectively, required surgical treatment. A mean of 3.6 additional pathologic findings per patient were observed; 19% of all patients had multiple (i. e., ≥2) calcific spots. The main additional pathologies were bursitis (87%), type II–III acromion (Bigliani classification, 70%), and synovitis (47%). No statistical significance was found for any associations tested between the localization of the deposit and the documented pathologies. Patients with symptomatic, chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder may suffer from multiple and therapeutically relevant disorders of the glenohumeral joint requiring surgical care. The frequency of findings underlines the importance of a diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy of the shoulder in order to ensure that surgeons properly address intra-articular pathologies.