Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
(Part 1)
(Author’s Note: This article was written and/or reviewed by a member of the ASES – American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.)
Shoulder pain is quite common in adulthood, and there are many structures in the shoulder that can contribute to pain.
One shoulder condition you may not be familiar with is calcific tendinitis (also known as calcific
tendinopathy), which is the build-up of calcium deposits within the tendons of the rotator cuff.
These calcium deposits contribute to inflammation and may cause mechanical impingement (rubbing) on the acromion (the bony roof of the shoulder).
Anatomy
The shoulder is composed of several joints.
Multiple tendons and muscles allow for a wide range of motion in your shoulder.
The shoulder is made up of three bones:
∙ The humerus (upper arm bone)
∙ The scapula (shoulder blade)
∙ The clavicle (collarbone)
The rotator cuff tendons attach to the top of the humerus (humeral head) and connect the humerus to the shoulder blade’s socket (glenoid) to allow you to move your shoulder and arm.
Cause and Risk Factors
∙ Adults between the ages of 30 and 60 have an increased risk of calcific tendinitis, but the condition can happen to anyone.
∙ It is slightly more common in women than men.
∙ It can occur in one or both shoulders.
∙ Currently, the cause is unknown, but it may be associated with tendon overuse.
Symptoms
∙ Pain and tenderness in the front or side of the shoulder
∙ Pain that may be severe and may occur without trauma or movement
∙ Loss of motion or the sensation of stiffness
(To be continued)