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.
Ease your pain fast
Dr. Marc Beauchamp: the doctor for shoulder and elbow pain
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