Tendon Calcification (Tendinosis Calcarea): Surgical Therapy

If spontaneous healing (self-healing) fails to occur or if conservative therapies do not produce the desired results, pain persists or is chronic (> 6 months), and in cases of larger calcified foci (diameter > 1 cm), surgical therapy should be considered.

Removal of the calcium foci relieves pressure, which also relieves severe pain. The removal of the calcium foci can be done surgically or arthroscopically (minimally invasive).

Another commonly used method of removing calcified foci is ultrasound-assisted “needling” (pricking). The calcific focus is punctured, aspirated (sucked out) or washed out. This does not always allow the calcific focus to be completely drained. Concomitant antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) medication is recommended because severe pain may occur as the calcium crystals are resorbed.