RESULTS OF ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF TEND INITIS OF THE ROTATOR CUFF OF THE SHOULDER .2. CALCIFIED LESIONS OF THE ROTATOR

The authors studied the results of the arthroscopic treatment of the c hronic calcifying tendinitis within a multi-center study of the French Society of Arthroscopy. 112 patients were available for the study. Al l shoulders had a preoperative radiographic clinical and radiographic evaluation. At follow up, functional results were assessed, using the Constant score, and X rays allowed to appreciate the acromial shape an d the calcific deposit aspect. Several arthroscopic procedures were us ed on the calcification (respect or removal), and the coracoacromial a rch (respect, ACL release or acromioplasty). This study found an objec tive success rate of 89 per cent and a patient subjective satisfaction rate of 82 per cent. Based on follow up radiographs, 88 per cent of t he patients had a complete disappearance of the calcific deposit. Ther e were no recurrence, no secondary rotator cuff tear. The results were not correlated with the age of the patients, or with the radiographic aspect (type, size, localization) of the calcification. The results w ere correlated with the arthroscopic procedure: they were better when the calcification had been removed (superior to deposit respect). Asso ciated acromioplasty gave no better results: it was only considered as necessary when the calcification was not found (12 per cent). The gre atest care must be taken in the surgical indication for this pathology because of a high rate of spontaneous resorption. The authors conclud e that the arthroscopic surgery is a very effective method for chronic calcific tendinitis, compared to open procedure.