PROCEDURES

Calcific tendonitis

Calcific tendonitis is a condition where calcium deposits build-up in your muscles and tendons. This may occur anywhere in your body, and it normally occurs in the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles which connects the upper arm to the shoulder. When calcium builds up in this area, it may restrict the movement of your arm and cause pain and discomfort.

Calcific tendonitis may be caused by genetic predisposition, abnormal cell growth, abnormal thyroid gland activity, bodily production of anti-inflammatory agents and metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

What are the related symptoms of calcific tendonitis?

Signs and symptoms of calcific tendonitis may include pain, even though you may not experience any pain in the early stages because it may take months or years for calcium deposits to build-up in your body. The pain may make it hard for you to sleep, especially when lying on it. If this occurs on your shoulder, you may experience pain when you lift your arm.

How is calcific tendonitis treated?

Calcific tendonitis may be treated with conservative treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and with nonsurgical procedures such as shock-wave therapy. During a shock-wave therapy, a handheld device is used to deliver mechanical shocks to your shoulder near the site of the calcification, to break down the calcium crystals.

If conservative treatments didn't work or your condition is severe, Dr Bismilla will recommend that you undergo arthroscopic surgery. During surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision above the calcium deposits location. He will then pass a small tube that has a camera, called an arthroscope, and other surgical tools, through the incisions. The camera will help guide him while he removes the calcium deposits. After the procedure, Dr Bismilla will stitch close the incisions and dress the operated area.  Recovery depends on the location, size and number of calcium deposits.