Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment for Calcifying Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A case report and literature review

Original Article | Vol 3 | Issue 2 |  July-December 2023 | page: 57-61 | Dehui Song, Chengxin Li, Wei Sun, Yu Zhou, Fuqiang Gao, Li Zirong

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2023.v03.i02.107

Author: Dehui Song [1], Chengxin Li [2], Wei Sun [3, 4], Yu Zhou [1], Fuqiang Gao [3], Li Zirong [1]

[1] Peking University Health Science Center, China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China,
[2] Department of Orthopedic, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China,
[3] Department of Orthopedics, Shockwave Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,
[4] Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Wei Sun,
Department of Orthopedics, Shockwave Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China/Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
E-mail: wei.sun@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Abstract

Background: Calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder (CTS), also known as rotator cuff calcific tendinitis, is a self-limiting shoulder disorder primarily characterized by inflammation surrounding hydroxyapatite crystal deposits in the tendons of the rotator cuff. Given the specific characteristics of the shoulder joint and the uncertainty regarding the efficacy of various treatments for CTS, no standardized treatment protocol has been established. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is effective in alleviating pain and improving joint function in patients with calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. The therapeutic process works using high-energy shock waves to break down deposits of calcification, reduce local inflammation, and promote tissue healing. The purpose of this article is to present a case of symptomatic calcifying tendinopathy involving the rotator cuff and further demonstrate that ESWT has good efficacy in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.
Results: In this case, a 39-year-old woman with a 6-month history of shoulder pain and limited range of motion (ROM) was diagnosed with calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. A single session of shock wave therapy resulted in the complete resolution of calcific deposits and the patient’s symptoms, leading to a return to her normal ROM and improved quality of life.
Conclusion: ESWT has been shown to be a good alternative to surgery for the treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder (CTS). It can significantly alleviate pain, improve shoulder function, and reduce the average size of calcium deposits. It might be the first choice for treating shoulder tendinopathy due to its effectiveness and safety.
Keywords: Calcifying tendinitis, Shoulder pain, Extracorporeal shock wave treatment, Case report

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