ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF CALCIFIC TENDINITIS OF THE SHOULDER

We evaluated 48 patients arthroscopically treated for calcific tendini tis. All patients were treated by removal of the calcific deposit when ever possible and resection of the coracoacromial ligament. Those case s showing evidence of subacromial stenosis by x-ray evaluation or intr aoperative findings were treated with an arthroscopic arcromioplasty d uring the same procedure. For postoperative functional assessment we u sed the Constant score. After surgery the Constant score significantly improved. All patients who were created by acromioplasty showed signi ficant flattening of the bony configuration of the acromion. The x-ray review showed that none of the blurred calcific deposits regained sha rper borders after operation and also that no transparent deposit was converted into a denser appearance after the procedure. Those patients with postoperative elimination or reduction of the calcific deposits had significantly better outcomes than chose who had no radiographic c hange. Acromioplasty did not improve the results. The aim of arthrosco pic treatment in calcific tendinitis is to remove the calcific deposit .