Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
(Part 4/4)
Last week, we started to dicuss the TREATMENT of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder.
We made mention of the following forms of treatment: nonsurgical treatment, rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injection, shock wave therapy, and saline lavage.
Another form of treatment is the Surgical Treatment. When nonsurgical treatment does not relieve pain, your doctor may discuss surgery.
The goal of surgery is to remove the calcium and repair any associated tear of the rotator cuff tendons.
These procedures are typically performed arthroscopically and may be performed along with other procedures.
In arthroscopy, specialized surgical instruments are inserted into the shoulder through small poke holes. The doctor examines your shoulder using a fiberoptic camera. The image is projected onto a large video monitor. Using this video guidance, the surgeon then inserts instruments through other small incisions to remove the calcium.
After removing the calcium. Your surgeon may need to treat other conditions present in the shoulder – for instance, repairing damaged rotator cuff tendons.
Rehabilitation. After surgery, your arm may be placed in a sling for a short period of time. This allows for healing. As soon as your comfort allows, your doctor may remove the sling so you can begin shoulder exercises and start using your arm. The amount of time in the sling may be adjusted based on any additional procedures performed, as well as the amount of calcium deposit.
Your doctor will provide a rehabilitation program based on your specific case, your needs and the findings at surgery.
This will include exercises to regain motion of the shoulder and strength of the arm.
It typically takes 2 to 4 months to achieve complete relief of pain, but it may take up to 1 year.