Calcified tendonitis of the rotator cuff. A review of this common shoulder pathology
Keywords:
Calcified Tendonitis, Shoulder Stiffness, Shoulder Treatment, Rotator Cuff, Shoulder Pain.Abstract
Calcified tendonitis is an acute or chronic painful condition due to the presence of calcium phosphate crystals within or around the tendons that form the rotator cuff.
The precise mechanism leading to the deposition of calcium crystals remains unclear. Factors that appear to contribute to this pathology are metabolic diseases (diabetes, thyroid hormone abnormalities), medication factors (e.g., corticosteroids), genetic predisposition of the individual, and overuse injuries.
Clinically, calcified tendonitis is usually asymptomatic. However, in some cases it is characterized by severe pain, which is more addressed in the morning. Many times, the intensity of the pain is so high that it inhibits movements, resulting in stiff shoulder joints. A simple x-ray is the most appropriate imaging method to diagnose the disease. As far as concerns the course of the disease, in many cases, an automatic resorption of calcium is observed while the symptoms recede. The precise mechanisms associated with absorption are unknown.
Numerous treatment options have been reported in the literature that are applied on a case-by-case basis and vary in efficacy.
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