Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
(Part 2)
Last week we discussed the Anatomy of Calcific Tendinitis including its Symptoms, Cause and Risk Factors. Today we will deal with the topic on Doctor’s Examination and Imaging.
Doctor’s Examination:
Medical History and Physical Examination
After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your shoulder.
∙ They will press on different parts of your shoulder to see whether it is tender in any specific area.
∙ They will ask you to move your arm in several different directions to evaluate your motion.
∙ If you have severe pain and cannot move your arm on your own, your doctor may gently move the arm for you to assess the degree of stiffness.
∙ They will test your arm strength.
∙ They will check for other possible associated problems with your shoulder.
Imaging Tests
Your doctor may order imaging tests to help confirm the diagnosis.
X-rays. X-rays do not show the soft tissues of your shoulder, like the rotator cuff; however, X-rays of the shoulder can show the calcium deposits around the rotator cuff.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI scans provide images of the surrounding soft tissue structures.
They can show fluid, inflammation, or tears in or around the rotator cuff.
An MRI can also confirm whether there is any calcium build-up within the rotator cuff tendons. (To be continued)