Calcific tendinitis is a tendinopathy characterized by the deposition of calcium. It is most often located in the shoulder, elbow or hip. What are the causes of calcifying tendinopathy? Symptoms ?
Tendinopathy or calcifying tendonitis is caused by calcium deposits on the tendon. Generally, it can be located at the level of the shoulder, the hip, the elbow or the knee. “Calcifying tendonitis affects younger people than other tendinopathies, 30 to 60 years old, more women only men” says Dr. Christelle Darrieutort-Laffite, rheumatologist. What are the symptoms calcifying tendinopathy? What are the causes calcifying tendonitis? How treat her?
Definition: what is calcifying tendonitis?
“A calcifying tendinopathy is a tendinopathy due to calcium deposits on the tendon“ informs Dr. Christelle Darrieutort-Laffite. They thus differ from other tendinopathies linked to tendon degeneration. Calcifying tendinopathy of the shoulder is very common as it affects 10% of the population.
What is calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder?
Calcifying tendinopathy the most common is that of the shoulderknown as “the rotator cuff” (all the tendons located at the level of the shoulder joint). “We don’t know why the shoulder is the most frequently affected location” says the rheumatologist.
What is the cause of calcifying tendonitis?
The reasons why the tendons present calcifications and the evolution of these calcifications are not yet well known. “Research is underway to elucidate the triggering of this pathology” says the rheumatologist.
What are the symptoms of calcifying tendinopathy?
“Calcifying tendinopathy is indicated by chronic pain when the person uses his arm or during the night” says the rheumatologist. “It also happens that calcifying tendinopathy is revealed by very sharp pains and an inability to move the arm : it is the hyperalgic acute shoulder. This intense inflammatory flare-up is linked to the resorption of calcification” she informs. The pain disappears within a few days and the shoulder recovers its former mobility.
“The diagnosis of calcifying tendonitis is radiological : the calcifications are seen on the x-ray” explains Dr. Christelle Darrieutort-Laffite. In some cases, a MRI or arthrography are done to locate the calcification and assess its size in relation to the thickness of the tendon.
► One nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy (NSAIDs) is generally indicated at the onset of pain. It is associated with analgesics. Ilocal application of ice is also recommended.
► First-line treatment also consists of infiltrations. “Some physiotherapists offer shock waves and ultrasound. Studies have shown efficacy for this pathology” inform the rheumatologist.
► In case of pain resistant to drug treatment, the calcification in question can be removed by puncture-washout radioguided or ultrasound-guided aspiration. It involves poking into the calcification and washing it out with saline. “In 80-90% of cases, this technique removes the calcification” says Dr. Christelle Darrieutort-Laffite. If unsuccessful, a surgical intervention may be offered to remove the calcification.
Thanks to Dr Christelle Darrieutort-Laffite, rheumatologist at Nantes University Hospital.