Summary
The disease tendinosis calcarea is a calcification of various tendons of the human body, which is caused by the deposition of calcium crystals. In most cases, the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle, which is part of the rotator cuff of the shoulder joint, is affected. This is then referred to as a calcified shoulder with complaints of arm movement.
The complaints of a patient with tendinosis calcarea can vary considerably. This mainly depends on the size of the calcific deposit and the stage of the disease. Large calcium deposits can lead to irritation of the affected tendon, especially when the arm is lifted sideways (abduction) below the acromion.
The signs of the disease may include Imaging by ultrasound can be used to make a clear diagnosis of tendinosis calcarea, although the somewhat difficult diagnosis using x-rays is also possible. An MRI scan is not suitable. Shock wave therapy (ESWT) or surgical intervention are particularly suitable for treatment.
In ESWT, the calcium crystals are shattered by high-energy shock waves so that they can be broken down by the body. Another alternative to the treatment of tendinosis calcarea is the surgical treatment of calcified tendons. This is usually only carried out if the patient continues to suffer from severe pain despite conservative measures, the calcifications are very large and there is no evidence of a spontaneous reduction in calcification.
Since the calcifications very often recede spontaneously, surgical repair of the tissue is delayed as long as possible. However, if the operation is indicated, it is usually performed as part of an arthroscopy (joint endoscopy). This approach is minimally invasive and carries the least risk.
During the procedure, the calcified foci are removed from the tendon tissue. Afterwards, the joint must first be immobilized. In order to maintain the function and mobility of the joint, physiotherapy is usually performed afterwards.
- Pain when lying on the affected shoulder
- Shoulder pain due to strain
- Pain after overhead work
- Sudden shoulder pain arising from nothing (not an accident)
- Inability to move the arm (pseudo-paralysis)
