Observation on the arthroscopic treatment of supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis

LI Wei; XIAO De-ming; WU Xiao; ZHANG Wen-tao; JIANG Chang-qing; HUANG Wei; ZHANG Xin-tao; BAI Lu; JIANG Xiao-cheng

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-252X.2015.01.016

Abstract：Objective To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis.Methods 24 patients of supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis were reviewed. The leision position was assessed by the three-dimensional CT scans preoperatively. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons ( ASES ) scores, VAS scores, the shouder function of forward elevation and external rotation, and the satisfaction score were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. 24 patients of supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis underwent arthroscopic calcium removal, subacromial bursa excision and acromioplasty via posterior approach. Partial tissue deposits in all patients were taken during the surgery for pathological examination.Results The mean length of scar was 0.53 cm postoperatively. Pathological examination showed solid section of granular sediments with lymphocytes proliferation and chronic inlfammation. 24 patients were followed up for an average period of ( 21.6±12.2 ) months ( rang: 3-40 months ). The ASES score was improved from ( 50.42±10.10 ) points preoperatively to ( 86.50±5.95 ) points postoperatively, and the differences were statistically signiifcant (t=-15.10,P=0.00 ). The forward elevation of the shoulder was ( 83.75±12.99 ) ° preoperatively and ( 136.67±11.55 ) ° postoperatively, and the differences were statistically signiifcant (t=-10.58,P=0.00 ). The external rotation of the shoulder was ( 22.92±9.20 ) ° preoperatively and ( 38.33±6.70 ) ° postoperatively, and the differences were statistically significant (t=-6.64,P=0.00 ). The satisfaction score was improved from ( 3.25±1.26 ) points preoperatively to ( 8.00±1.11 ) points postoperatively, and the differences were statistically signiifcant ( t=-13.90,P=0.00 ). The VAS pain score was decreased from ( 7.75±1.33 ) points preoperatively to ( 2.25±1.19 ) points postoperatively, and the differences were statistically signiifcant (t=15.12, P=0.00 ).Conclusions Calcium removal, subacromial bursa excision and acromioplasty under the arthroscopie is an effective, safe and minimally invasive method for the treatment of supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis failed to conservative treatment, which can relieve pain and improve mobility. The preoperative lesion position was located by the three-dimensional CT scans commendably.