Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: single blind study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical and radiological response of chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder to extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in a single blind study.


METHODS
70 patients showing chronic, symptomatic, calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder were examined. A single blind randomised study was performed with 35 patients undergoing a regular treatment (group 1) and 35 a simulated one (group 2). Pain and functional assessment was carried out according to Constant and Murley. Variations in the dimension of the calcification were evaluated by anteroposterior x ray films.


RESULTS
A significant decrease of pain and a significant increase in shoulder function was seen in group 1. Examination by x ray showed partial resorption of the calcium deposits in 40% of cases and complete resorption in 31% of cases in group 1. In the control group no significant decrease of pain and no significant increase in shoulder function was seen. No modifications were observed by x ray examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of its good tolerance, safety, and clinical radiological response, ESWT can be considered as an alternative treatment for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
Cosentino
R
R
Institute of Rheumatology, University of Siena, Italy. r.cosentino@katamail.com
De Stefano
R
R
Selvi
E
E
Frati
E
E
Manca
S
S
Frediani
B
B
Marcolongo
R
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D059408:Pain Management; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome