Calcifications in the cuff: take it or leave it?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether removing the calcifications in the rotator cuff tendons during surgical subacromial decompression improves outcome in patients with calcific tendonitis.


METHODS
Two groups of 20 patients with a subacromial impingement syndrome and cuff calcifications were operated on. In group A, patients had an anterolateral acromioplasty according to Neer with excision of calcifications. In group B, the same procedure was performed without additional excision of calcifications. After a minimum follow-up of 3 years the patients were assessed with the disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand score (DASH), the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, measurements of range of motion (ROM) in all planes, and satisfaction with treatment.


RESULTS
The results for the DASH score, ROM, VAS and satisfaction with treatment showed no significant difference between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our study suggest that removal of calcific deposits with anterolateral acromioplasty does not influence patient outcome. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal surgical treatment for calcific tendonitis.
Hofstee
Dirk-Jan
DJ
St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands. dj_hofstee@hotmail.com
Gosens
Taco
T
Bonnet
Michel
M
De Waal Malefijt
Jan
J
D000328:Adult; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome