Lavage for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis

Are you suffering from calcific tendinitis?

Calcium deposits sometimes gradually form inside the tendons of the shoulder (rotator cuff).

• While normally painless, these deposits can grow in size and cause severe pain that worsens at night and can disturb sleep.
• A simple x-ray is used to determine whether calcium deposits have formed.
• If left untreated, this condition can lead to a loss of shoulder mobility and function.
• The first line of treatment is rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

What is a lavage procedure?

• If the shoulder doesn’t heal on its own, a lavage, or aspiration using a needle, may prove beneficial.
• The lavage procedure is performed under local anesthesia by a specialist using ultrasound.
• Ultrasound is used to guide the needle and inject saline into the calcium deposits to help dissolve them and then remove them.
• A cortisone shot is given at the end of the procedure.
• More than 75% of patients see an improvement after a lavage.
• Some deposits that are either too large or too stubborn require arthroscopic removal.