Sonographically Guided Percutaneous Needle Lavage in Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: Short- and Long-Term Results

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage for the treatment of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound-guided lavage (UGL) is a minimally invasive percutaneous treatment for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT). It involves the use of a syringe containing saline and/or anesthetic solution injected directly into the calcification allowing aspiration of the fragmented calcific material. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate if UGL is effective in improving pain, function, quality of life, range of motion (ROM), and in promoting complete resorption of calcifications in patients with RCCT.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Only randomized controlled trials considering people diagnosed with RCCT, at any stage and at any time of the onset of symptoms treated with UGL, were included. Embase, CENTRAL, CINHAL, PEDro and MEDLINE were explored up until May 2024. Two independent authors selected randomized controlled trials by title and abstract; afterwards, the full text was thoroughly evaluated. The risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias 2 (ROB2) tool and the certainty of evidence was evaluated through the GRADE approach.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Seven studies (709 subjects) were included. Overall, three studies were judged as low risk of bias. Pooled results showed non-significant differences between UGL and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) at 12 weeks (SMD=-0.52, 95% CI -1.57, 0.54, P=0.34, I2=93%) and at 26 weeks (MD=-1.20, 95% CI -2.66, 0.27, P=0.11, I2=82%), while a significant difference favoring UGL (SMD=-0.52, 95% CI -0.85, -0.19, P=0.002, I2=38%) resulted at 52 weeks. In regard to function, pooled results showed non-significant difference between UGL and ESWT at 6 weeks (MD=3.34, 95% CI -11.45, 18.12, P=0.66, I2=79%) and at 52 weeks (SMD=0.10, 95% CI -0.40, 0.60, P=0.69, I2=30%). Considering the rate of resorption of calcifications between UGL combined with subacromial corticosteroid injection (SCI) versus injection alone, pooled results showed significant difference favoring UGL at <52 weeks (RR=1.63 95% CI 1.34, 1.98, P<0.00001, I2=0%). Certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

UGL seems to be a reasonable and safe treatment for RCCT, however compared to other non/mini-invasive approaches, UGL showed doubtful results in controlling pain and increasing function and rate of calcifications resorption. These results should be interpreted with caution because certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low.

Determining the efficacy of barbotage for pain relief in calcific tendinitis

Background

Rotator cuff calcific tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder discomfort. Ultrasound-guided barbotage consists of needle aspiration and a subsequent lavage of calcium deposits in the shoulder. While barbotage has proven benefit, other options have also shown similar symptom improvement. This study aims to examine pain outcomes of patients following barbotage of calcific tendinitis. We hypothesize that barbotage will improve shoulder pain scores compared to preprocedure scores.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of 179 ultrasound-guided barbotage interventions for calcific tendinitis of the rotator at a New England urban medical center. Patient pain scores were analyzed using a Friedman's analysis of variance at a significance level of α = 0.05, and statistical significance between groups was elucidated using nonparametric post-hoc tests of significance between groups.

Results

Pain scores at preprocedure, 2-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups yielded significant differences. Post-hoc nonparametric analysis revealed pain scores at 2 months were significantly lower than preprocedure and at 6 months. Additionally, 47.5% of cases in this study went on to require a secondary procedure of the respective shoulder after their barbotage treatment.

Conclusion

Upon analysis, utilization of barbotage as a treatment for calcific tendonitis of the shoulder appears to produce notable pain reduction in the short term (specifically at the 2-month follow-up), but begins to lose some efficacy over long-term evaluation. Additionally, a large portion of patients required further interventions of their shoulder, including corticosteroid injections, more barbotage, or surgery, raising further concerns over its long-term benefit.

Common treatment strategies for calcium hydroxyapatite deposition disease: a cost-effectiveness analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cost-effectiveness of rotator cuff hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) treatments.

METHOD

A 1-year time horizon decision analytic model was created from the US healthcare system perspective for a 52-year-old female with shoulder HADD failing conservative management. The model evaluated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB) of standard strategies, including conservative management, ultrasound-guided barbotage (UGB), high- and low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSW), and surgery. The primary effectiveness outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Costs were estimated in 2022 US dollars. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was $100,000.

RESULTS

For the base case, UGB was the preferred strategy (0.9725 QALY, total cost, $2199.35, NMB, $95,048.45, and ICER, $33,992.99), with conservative management (0.9670 QALY, NMB $94,688.83) a reasonable alternative. High-energy ECSW (0.9837 QALY, NMB $94,805.72), though most effective, had an ICER of $121, 558.90, surpassing the WTP threshold. Surgery (0.9532 QALY, NMB $92,092.46) and low-energy ECSW (0.9287 QALY, NMB $87,881.20) were each dominated. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that high-energy ECSW would become the favored strategy when its cost was < $2905.66, and conservative management was favored when the cost was < $990.34. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis supported the base case results, with UGB preferred in 43% of simulations, high-energy ECSW in 36%, conservative management in 20%, and low-energy ECSW and surgery in < 1%.

CONCLUSION

UGB appears to be the most cost-effective strategy for patients with HADD, while surgery and low-energy ECSW are the least cost-effective. Conservative management may be considered a reasonable alternative treatment strategy in the appropriate clinical setting.

Ultrasound guided lavage with corticosteroid injection versus sham lavage with and without corticosteroid injection for calcific tendinopathy of shoulder: randomised double blinded multi-arm study

OBJECTIVE

To compare treatment effects between ultrasound guided lavage with corticosteroid injection and sham lavage with and without corticosteroid injection in patients with calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder.

DESIGN

Pragmatic, three arm, parallel group, double blinded, sham controlled, randomised, superiority trial with repeated measurements over 24 months.

SETTING

Six hospitals in Norway and Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

220 adults with calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, persistent for at least three months.

INTERVENTIONS

Ultrasound guided deposit lavage plus subacromial injection of 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 9 mL 1% lidocaine hydrochloride (lavage+steroid); sham lavage plus subacromial injection of 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 9 mL 1% lidocaine hydrochloride (sham lavage+steroid); or sham lavage plus subacromial injection of 10 mL 1% lidocaine hydrochloride (sham). All patients received a physiotherapeutic treatment regimen consisting of four home exercises.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the result on the 48 point scale (0=worst; 48=best) of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at four month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included measurements on the short form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) and of pain intensity up to 24 months. The influence of the size of the deposit at baseline and of the persistence or disappearance of the deposit was investigated.

RESULTS

Data from 218 (99%) participants were included in the primary analysis. Differences between groups on the OSS at four months were not significant: lavage+steroid versus sham 0.2 (95% confidence interval -2.3 to 2.8; P=1.0); sham lavage+steroid versus sham 2.0 (-0.5 to 4.6; P=0.35); lavage+steroid versus sham lavage+steroid -1.8 (-4.3 to 0.7; P=0.47). After four months, 143 patients with insufficient treatment effect received supplementary treatment. At 24 months, none of the study procedures was superior to sham. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no benefit for ultrasound guided lavage with a corticosteroid injection or for sham lavage with a corticosteroid injection compared with sham treatment in patients with calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy of the shoulder.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02419040EudraCT 2015-002343-34; Ethical committee Norway 2015-002343-34; Ethical committee Sweden 2015/79-31; Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02419040.

Treatment of calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff with ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration

OBJECTIVE

Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff is a common condition caused by the deposition of calcium crystals in the tendons of the rotator cuff. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration in calcific tendinopathy of the should in 86 patients treated at our center and to determine the factors associated with poor prognosis after this treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective descriptive study included 86 patients with calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff treated with ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration between 2015 and 2019 for whom clinical and radiological variables were collected 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

One year after treatment, 81.4% patients showed clinical improvement and 96.5% showed radiological improvement. Complications were observed in 34.9%; all complications were mild.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration is an effective treatment for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, resulting in a high rate of clinical and radiological improvement and a low rate of minor complications. This technique has additional advantages, such as interaction with the patient and the lack of ionizing radiation.

Efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of chronic calcific shoulder tendinitis: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Calcific shoulder tendinitis (CST) is characterized by hydroxyapatite crystals deposition in the rotator cuff tendons. Therapeutic exercises have been the mainstay of CST treatment, and evidence for therapeutic ultrasound (T-US) utilization and efficacy is lacking.

AIM

This study aimed to determine whether 4500 J T-US combined with therapeutic exercises is superior to therapeutic exercises alone regarding calcification size reduction and symptom improvement in chronic symptomatic CST.

DESIGN

This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a University Department for Rheumatic Diseases and Rehabilitation of a University Hospital.

POPULATION

Patients with chronic CST were analyzed.

METHODS

After eligibility allocation, 46 patients with sonographically confirmed CST were divided into two groups (56 shoulders, 26 per group). Both groups performed the same therapeutic exercises for half an hour under physiotherapist supervision. In the treatment group T-US (4500 J, 10 minutes per session at a frequency of 1 MHz and an intensity of 1.5 W/cm²), and in the placebo group, sham T-US was applied for 4 weeks. Patients were assessed for: calcification size, shoulder pain, global health (GH), shoulder mobility (ROM), handgrip strength, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and overall rehabilitation satisfaction.

RESULTS

All assessed variables improved in both groups. A significantly greater reduction in calcification size was recorded in the treatment group compared to placebo: -10.92% (IQR 4.61% to 19.38%) versus -5.04% (2.30% to 7.22%), P=0.008. There was a significantly greater decrease in HAQ-DI, reduction of VAS GH, and an increase in hand grip strength in the treatment group, while no significant differences were observed for other parameters between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that adding the 4500 J T-US to therapeutic exercises in chronic symptomatic CST therapy resulted in greater calcification size reduction immediately following the treatment, as well as hand grip strength, HAQ-DI, and VAS GH improvement.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

4500 J T-US combined with therapeutic exercises is more effective in reducing calcification size than therapeutic exercises alone in the treatment of chronic symptomatic CST.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy outside the rotator cuff: short-term evaluation

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

While ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation for painful calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT) is the treatment of choice for the rotator cuff, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the treatment of this condition with atypical location. The purpose of our study is to assess if US-PICT can be applied safely and successfully in atypical sites, outside of the rotator cuff.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the US-PICT performed outside the rotator cuff, in the last 5 years in a single institution. A total of 16 patients have been included in this study. We collected the values of the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain pre- and post-procedure (7 days and 3-month follow-up). Moreover, we assessed the imaging studies available pre- and post-procedure (ultrasound and plain radiography) to assess complications.

RESULTS

In all the 16 patients (10F, 6 M; mean age 50.2; range 24-65-year-old), no complications have been observed during and after the procedures. The mean pain NRS before treatment was 8.7 (range 10-6) and dropped to 1.1 (6-0) after 1 week as well after 3 months 1.1 (6-0). The NRS pain reduction from baseline resulted to be statistically significant after 7 days and 3 months (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the safety and efficacy of this procedure, underlining the great potential of US-PICT applied even in different atypical locations.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of ultrasound-guided barbotage using a spinal needle and subacromial steroid injection for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

Background

Ultrasound (US)-guided techniques reported for the treatment of calcific tendinitis have mostly demonstrated good results. This study investigates the effect of US-guided barbotage using a spinal needle in patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder treated by US-guided barbotage with a spinal needle and subacromial steroid injection were included in the study. We evaluated clinical outcomes based on American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score. Radiological outcomes were assessed by X-ray imaging at each visit.

Results

Our results showed that US-guided barbotage and subacromial steroid injection produced good clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Of the 36 patients, only one required surgical treatment, while the others showed improvement without any complications. Compared to values before the procedure, calcific deposit size and VAS, ASES, and Constant scores showed significant improvement 6 weeks after the procedure. No significant correlation was found between the initial calcific deposit size and clinical outcomes at each time point.

Conclusions

In patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, US-guided barbotage using a spinal needle and subacromial steroid injection can yield satisfactory clinical and radiological results.

Predicting long-term outcomes of ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy with the use of machine learning

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of two machine learning models in predicting the long-term complete pain resolution in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Within a 3-year period, 100 consecutive patients who underwent US-PICT for rotator cuff disease were prospectively enrolled. The location, maximum diameter, and type of each calcification were recorded. The degree of calcium retrieval was graded as complete or incomplete. Shoulder pain was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline, 1-week, 1-month, and 1-year post-treatment. Measurements related to procedural details, patient, and calcification characteristics were used to construct a machine learning model for the prediction of pain at 1-year post-US-PICT. Two distinct models were built, one including VAS data at 1 week and another additionally including pain data at 1-month post-treatment. Variable importance analysis was performed for the 1-week model. Model performance was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and the respective areas under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The model exhibited an AUC of 69.2% for the prediction of complete pain resolution at 1 year. The addition of VAS scores at 1 month did not significantly alter the performance of the algorithm. Age and baseline VAS scores were the most important variables for classification performance.

CONCLUSION

The presented machine learning model exhibited an AUC of almost 70% in predicting complete pain resolution at 1 year. Pain data at 1 month do not appear to improve the performance of the algorithm.

Treatment of calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff with ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration

OBJECTIVE

Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff is a common condition caused by the deposition of calcium crystals in the tendons of the rotator cuff. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration in calcific tendinopathy of the should in 86 patients treated at our center and to determine the factors associated with poor prognosis after this treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective descriptive study included 86 patients with calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff treated with ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration between 2015 and 2019 for whom clinical and radiological variables were collected 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

One year after treatment, 81.4% patients showed clinical improvement and 96.5% showed radiological improvement. Complications were observed in 34.9%; all complications were mild.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration is an effective treatment for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, resulting in a high rate of clinical and radiological improvement and a low rate of minor complications. This technique has additional advantages, such as interaction with the patient and the lack of ionizing radiation.

Problem Solved: Integral Applications of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Musculoskeletal ultrasound has grown substantially in use over the past several years as an indispensable companion to magnetic resonance imaging and other imaging modalities. This article reviews 10 integral applications of musculoskeletal ultrasound as a problem-solving tool with correlative case examples. These applications include the following: (1) accessibility and portability, (2) targeted imaging, (3) dynamic imaging, (4) contralateral comparison, (5) Doppler imaging, (6) increased spatial resolution, (7) solid versus cystic comparison, (8) posttraumatic imaging, (9) postsurgical imaging, and (10) treatment delivery and optimization. The review will help the radiologist recognize the complementary uses of musculoskeletal ultrasound with radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Ultrasound-guided needle decompression and steroid injection for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: risk factors for repeat procedures and outcome analysis

Background

Although ultrasound-guided needle decompression (US-GND) can treat calcific tendinitis of the shoulder effectively, repeat procedures might be required for unresolved symptoms. We evaluated the overall clinical outcomes of US-GND with subacromial steroid injection and the final results and factors predisposing toward repeat procedures.

Methods

Ninety-eight patients who underwent US-GND for calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus/infraspinatus were analyzed between March 2017 and December 2018. The clinical outcomes (pain visual analog scale, functional visual analog scale [FVAS], and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score) and final subjective satisfaction were compared between groups A (single US-GND) and B (repeat US-GND). The factors predisposing toward repeated US-GNDs were analyzed.

Results

We found that 59.3% (58/98) of patient ASES scores were ≥80, and 73.5% of patients (72/98) were satisfied with the outcome. Group B (n=14) demonstrated a significantly higher rate of dominant-arm involvement compared to group A (78.6% vs. 48.8%, p=0.046). However, initial calcification size, shape, number, density, subscapularis involvement, lavage, and procedure time did not differ significantly between the groups. Group B showed poorer final FVAS (7 [interquartile range, 6–8] vs. 8 [interquartile range, 7–9], p=0.036) and subjective satisfaction compared to group A (satisfied: 5 [35.7%] vs. 67 [79.8%], p<0.001].

Conclusions

US-GND with subacromial steroid injection is a viable treatment option for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Dominant-arm involvement was the only independent factor for repeated US-GND. Final outcome of repeated US-GND for unimproved patients was promising; however, these outcomes were poor compared to those of the patients who improved after the first procedure.

Factors Associated With Clinical Improvement and the Disappearance of Calcifications After Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Lavage of Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff is a frequent cause of shoulder pain. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage (UGPL) is an effective treatment, but factors associated with good clinical and radiological outcomes still need to be identified.

PURPOSE

To study the clinical, procedural, and radiological characteristics associated with improved shoulder function and the disappearance of calcification on radiograph after UGPL.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of the CALCECHO trial, a double-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted on 132 patients. The trial assessed the effect of corticosteroid injections after UGPL, and patients were randomly assigned to receive either corticosteroid or saline solution in the subacromial bursa. We analyzed all patients included in the randomized controlled trial as 1 cohort. We collected the patients' clinical, procedural, and radiological characteristics at baseline and during follow-up (3, 6, and 12 months). Univariable analysis, followed by multivariable stepwise regression through forward elimination, was performed to identify the factors associated with clinical success (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score <15) or the disappearance of calcification.

RESULTS

Good clinical outcomes at 3 months were associated with steroid injections after the procedure (odd ratio [OR], 3.143; 95% CI, 1.105-8.94). At 6 months, good clinical evolution was associated with a lower DASH score at 3 months (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.890-0.956) and calcium extraction (OR, 10.7; 95% CI, 1.791-63.927). A lower DASH at 6 months was also associated with a long-term favorable outcome at 12 months (OR, 0.939; 95% CI, 0.912-0.966). Disappearance of calcification at 3 and 12 months occurred more frequently in patients in whom communication was created between the calcification and the subacromial bursa during the procedure (OR, 2.728 [95% CI, 1.194-6.234] at 3 months; OR, 9.835 [95% CI, 1.977-48.931] at 12 months). Importantly, an association between calcification resorption and good clinical outcome was found at each time point.

CONCLUSION

Assessing patients at 3 months seems to be an essential part of their management strategy. Calcium extraction and creating a communication between the calcific deposits and subacromial bursa are procedural characteristics associated with good clinical and radiological evolution.

[Evidence in Infiltrative Pain Therapy of the Musculoskeletal System]

Musculoskeletal pain symptoms frequently generate limitations in daily work and life in many patients. Usually, symptomatic treatment is possible before clarifying the in depth diagnosis. A symptom-based infiltration therapy will never replace a thoroughly done physical examination and thoughtful collection of patient history, however, it can be of great benefit for the patient when done focused on the point of pain and executed with profound anatomical knowledge. Furthermore, the knowledge of the level of evidence of therapeutic infiltrations improves their outcomes and shapes realistic patients' expectations. Ultrasound-guided therapeutic infiltrations improve the outcome despite the use of lower amounts of active agents by pinpointed applications. This article provides an overview of the scientific evidence of effectiveness of (ultrasound-guided) infiltration techniques in diverse musculoskeletal regions.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy: redefining predictors of treatment outcome

OBJECTIVES

To identify prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome in patients treated with rotator cuff ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT), by evaluating the degree of calcium removal, the size and consistency of calcific deposits, and baseline level of shoulder pain and functionality.

METHODS

From January 2017 to December 2019, 79 patients (23 males, 56 females; mean age, 45.7 years) who underwent US-PICT were prospectively enrolled. The calcifications' location, consistency, and size were evaluated. For US-PICT, local anesthesia, lavage of calcific material, and intrabursal steroid injection were performed. The degree of calcium removal was graded as total/partial. Shoulder pain and functionality were assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS) in all and Constant score (CS) in a subset of patients, respectively, at 4 time-points. Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's test, and linear and binary logistic regression were utilized for analysis.

RESULTS

Pain improvement correlated with the presence of larger calcifications and lower baseline VAS score, at 1 week (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and 1 year (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). Improved functionality correlated with total calcification retrieval, higher baseline CS, and fluid/soft calcific consistency at 1 week (p = 0.013, p = 0.003, p = 0.019, respectively). Increased calcification size, cystic appearance, and lower baseline VAS scores independently predicted complete pain resolution at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Large calcifications and low-grade pain at baseline correlated with short- and long-term pain improvement. The degree of calcium removal did not impact pain or functional improvement beyond 1 week. Increased calcification size, cystic appearance, and low-grade baseline pain predicted complete pain recovery at 1 year.

KEY POINTS

• The presence of larger calcifications and lower-grade baseline pain appear to correlate with pain improvement at 1 week and 1 year after ultrasound-guided irrigation of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT). • Total calcification retrieval, less affected baseline shoulder functionality, and presence of fluid/soft consistency of calcific deposits appear to correlate with improved shoulder functionality at 1 week post-treatment. • Baseline pain intensity and calcifications' morphologic characteristics, but not the degree of calcium retrieval, represent predictors of complete pain recovery at 1 year after US-PICT.

Gaelic Sport Injuries

The Gaelic sports of hurling and football, native to Ireland, are increasing in popularity worldwide. The injury profile of these sports requires multidisciplinary management by sports physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, and musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologists, among others. Advances in imaging modalities and interventional techniques have aided the diagnosis and treatment of sport injuries. In this article, we review the literature and our own institutional experience to describe common injury patterns identified in Gaelic games athletes, their main imaging features and relevant therapeutic interventions. We discuss the increasing prevalence of imaging services at sporting events and the central role of MSK radiologists in sports injury management.

Non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: ultrasonographic diagnosis and treatment

Calcific tendinopathy is a condition that is related to the deposition of calcium, mostly hydroxyapatite crystals, within the tendons. The shoulder and the hip are commonly affected joints, but calcific tendinopathy may occur in any tendon of the body. While there is an extensive literature on the ultrasound diagnosis of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, there are only sporadic reports on other sites. This review combines the experience of our centers and a thorough analysis of the literature from the last 45 years (1972-2017) in order to highlight the localizations beyond the rotator cuff, their ultrasound characteristics and therapeutic possibilities.

Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: a review of operative versus nonoperative management

Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder involves calcification and degeneration of the rotator cuff tendon near its insertion point on the greater tuberosity. The purpose of this review is to analyze recent literature evaluating the clinical outcomes of non-operative and operative treatment for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder. Conservative management, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT), and surgical intervention will be reviewed.

Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Needling Combined With a Subacromial Corticosteroid Injection Versus High-Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Rotator Cuff: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes after treatment with standardized high-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound-guided needling (UGN) in patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff who were nonresponsive to conservative treatment.

METHODS

The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The ESWT group received ESWT (2000 pulses, energy flux density 0.35 mJ/mm²) in 4 sessions with 1-week intervals. UGN was combined with a corticosteroid ultrasound-guided subacromial bursa injection. Shoulder function was assessed at standardized follow-up intervals (6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months) using the Constant Murley Score (CMS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and visual analog scale for pain and satisfaction. The size, location, and morphology of the deposits were evaluated on radiographs. The a priori sample size calculation computed that 44 participants randomized in each treatment group was required to achieve a power of 80%.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were treated (56 female, 65%; mean age 52.1 ± 9 years) with a mean baseline CMS of 66.8 ± 12 and mean calcification size of 15.1 ± 4.7 mm. One patient was lost to follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, the UGN group showed similar results as the ESWT group with regard to the change from baseline CMS (20.9 vs 15.7; P = .23), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (-20.1 vs -20.7; P = .78), and visual analog scale for pain (-3.9 and -2.6; P = .12). The mean calcification size decreased by 13 ± 3.9 mm in the UGN group and 6.7 ± 8.2 mm in the ESWT group (<P = .001). In total, 22% of the UGN and 41% of the ESWT patients received an additional treatment during follow-up because of persistent symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This RCT compares the clinical and radiographic results of UGN and high-energy ESWT in the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff. Both techniques are successful in improving function and pain, with high satisfaction rates after 1-year follow-up. However, UGN is more effective in eliminating the calcific deposit, and the amount of additional treatments was greater in the ESWT group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, randomized controlled trial.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Irrigation of Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy (US-PICT): Patient Experience

Purpose

To assess patients' experience of ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT).

Methods

Ninety-one patients (58 females; mean age: 50.5 ± 8.3 years) treated by US-PICT (local anesthesia, single-needle lavage, and intrabursal steroid injection) answered to a list of questions regarding their experience of the procedure before treatment, immediately after treatment, and three months later. The Borg CR10 scale was used to evaluate perceived pain, discomfort during anesthetic injection, and anxiety. The Wilcoxon, Spearman's rho, linear regression, and chi-square statistics were used.

Results

81/91 patients complained mild discomfort during the injection of anesthetics (2, 1-2). Pain scores during US-PICT were very low (0, 0-1), with 70% patients having not experienced pain. After treatment, we found a significant reduction of pain (before: 8, 7-8; 3-month: 3, 1-6; p < .001) and anxiety (before: 5, 2-7; during treatment: 2, 1-7; p = 0.010), with high overall satisfaction (immediately after: 10, 9-10; 3-month: 9, 7-10) and confidence in the possibility of recovery (immediately after: 9, 8-10; 3-month: 10, 8-10), respectively. Treatments performed before US-PICT were not statistically associated with pain relief (p = 0.389) and clinical improvement (p = 0.937). We found a correlation between satisfaction immediately postprocedure and confidence in the possibility of recovery (p = 0.002) and between satisfaction three months after treatment and clinical improvement (p < 0.001) and patients' reminds about the description of the procedure (p = 0.005) and of the potential complications (p = 0.035).

Conclusions

US-PICT is a mildly painful, comfortable, and well-tolerated procedure, regardless of any previous treatments. Patients' satisfaction is correlated with clinical benefit and full explanation of the procedure and its complications.

Prognostic factors for the outcome of needle aspiration of calcific deposits for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis

Objective

To identify prognostic factors for the effectiveness of needle aspiration of calcific deposits (NACD) for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis (RCCT)

Methods

One hundred forty-nine patients with symptomatic RCCT were included in a prospective cohort study. Pain (VAS), shoulder function (SST and DASH), and quality of life (EQ-5D) were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-NACD. Univariate analyses (independent t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests depending on the distribution of data) were performed to build a multivariable linear regression model. Stepwise regression analysis through backward elimination was performed to evaluate the effect of predefined prognostic factors on the outcome.

Results

Patients who underwent multiple NACD procedures had less reduction of pain (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a larger reduction in VAS pain scores at 3 months post-NACD was associated with a larger reduction in VAS pain scores at 12 months (p < 0.01). More improvement of SST and DASH scores at 3 months was associated with better SST, DASH, and EQ-5D scores at 12 months (p < 0.01). Smaller-size calcific deposits were associated with less improvement of DASH (p = 0.03) and EQ-5D scores (p = 0.01). A longer duration of symptoms prior to NACD was associated with less improvement of EQ-5D scores (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

A good initial response after NACD is associated with better outcomes at 12 months. Patients with a longer duration of symptoms prior to NACD and patients who require multiple procedures showed inferior outcomes in terms of pain reduction and improvement of quality of life. Smaller-size calcific deposits are associated with a less favorable outcome of shoulder function and quality of life scores and might therefore be less susceptible for NACD.

Key Points

• A good initial response to NACD is associated with a better outcome in the longer term.

• A longer duration of symptoms and the need for multiple NACD procedures are associated with inferior outcomes.

• Smaller-size calcific deposits seem less susceptible for NACD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-020-06669-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Langsam progrediente Gelenkzerstörung bei einem älteren Mann als Ausdruck einer Hydroxylapatiterkrankung. Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht

Wir berichten über einen 75-jährigen männlichen Patienten mit seit 10 Jahren bestehenden Arthralgien der großen Gelenke. Klinisch fand sich eine Bursitis des rechten Ellenbogengelenkes. Laborchemisch zeigte sich eine Entzündungskonstellation, und röntgenologisch ergaben sich erosive Gelenkdestruktionen. Es erfolgte eine operative Bursektomie. Histologisch konnten in der Alizarinrotfärbung Hydroxylapatitkristalle nachgewiesen und die Diagnose einer Kristallarthropathie gestellt werden. Die Diagnostik ist schwierig, da die Kristalle nur elektronenmikroskopisch oder mittels Spezialfärbungen nachgewiesen werden können.

Questioning the therapeutic value of corticosteroid bursal injection after ultrasound-guided irrigation and lavage for the treatment of shoulder calcific tendinosis

OBJECTIVES

The therapeutic value of corticosteroid bursal injection after ultrasound-guided irrigation and lavage for the treatment of shoulder calcific tendinosis has not been established yet in the long term.

METHODS

41 patients suffering from chronic symptomatic rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy were recruited for this study. Group A (20 patients) received a double needle ultrasound-guided irrigation and lavage of the calcification with xylocaine injection, while group B (21 patients) underwent a double needle ultrasound-guided irrigation and lavage of the calcification with a xylocaine and betamethazone bursal injection.

RESULTS

After twelve months, we documented full -or almost full- decline (VAS: 0-20/100) of the symptoms in 70% of the group A patients and in 61.9% of the group B patients. There was no statistical difference (chi square, p < 0.05) in group success ratio. We also did not find any statistical difference as for the mean Q-DASH difference between the two groups (t-test).

CONCLUSIONS

It was proven that the additional use of corticosteroid bursal injection did not provide with any additional short- to mid-term therapeutic benefit those patients with shoulder calcific tendinopathy who were treated with ultrasound-guided aspiration.

Tolerance and effect of sodium thiosulfate in calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff

BACKGROUND

Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage of calcific tendinopathy is performed when conservative treatments have failed. Sodium thiosulfate (STS) has recently been used with success in the treatment of tumoral calcinosis. The goal of this phase II study was to assess the tolerance and the feasibility of STS lavage of calcific tendinopathy.

METHODS

We included patient with type hard calcifications. Patients were treated with puncture and lavage followed by injection of STS in the calcification. VAS pain at rest and during activities, ultrasound, and X-ray were evaluated at 1 week and 1 and 3 months.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included. Baseline VAS at rest and during daily activities was a mean 40.2 ± 25.9 and 65.5 ± 21.6 respectively. All patients underwent the entire procedure with no adverse event. Calcium backflow could be obtained in 15 patients (88.2%). Five patients (30%) had more than 50% decrease of their calcific deposit size at 1 month and 8 (47%) patients at 3 months. VAS pain during activities and at rest decreased significantly at 3 months (p = 0.0004; p = 0.001). Efficacy would be demonstrated if 60% of the patients had more than 50% decrease size of their calcification CONCLUSION: Overall, STS was well tolerated with no side effect occurring during the procedure and the follow-up. However, no significant effect on calcium disappearance could be demonstrated compared with what is expected without STS. New studies using larger volume and repeated injections of STS are now needed.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02538939Key Points• Lavage of calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff with sodium thiosulfate is feasible• No adverse events have been observed after or in the 3 months after the procedure• We could not demonstrate that sodium thiosulfate increases the chance of calcium disappearance• New studies using larger volume and repeated injections of STS are needed to further explore the interest of sodium thiosulfate in the treatment of calcific tendinopathy.

Are corticosteroid injections needed after needling and lavage of calcific tendinitis? Randomised, double-blind, non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVE

Steroid injections are common after an ultrasound-guided puncture and lavage (UGPL) of calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. However, steroids may prevent calcification resorption and negatively affect tendon healing. Our study was designed to determine whether saline solution was non-inferior to steroids in the prevention of acute pain reactions in the week following UGPL.

METHODS

This was a randomised, double-blinded, controlled non-inferiority trial with 12-month follow-up. We included 132 patients (66 in each group) with symptomatic calcification measuring more than 5 mm. Patients received 1 mL of saline or steroid (methylprednisolone 40 mg) in the subacromial bursa at the end of UGPL. Primary outcome was the maximal pain during the week following the procedure with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 10 mm (0-100 visual analogue scale). Secondary outcomes included pain at rest and during activity, function (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score) and radiological evolution of the calcification over the 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The estimated mean difference in the first week's maximal pain between these two groups was 11.76 (95% CI 3.78 to 19.75). Steroids significantly improved VAS pain at rest and during activities, as well as function at 7 days and 6 weeks. They did not change the rate of calcification resorption, which occurred in 83% and 74% of patients at 12 months in the saline and steroid groups.

CONCLUSION

Non-inferiority of saline when compared with steroids could not be established. However, steroid injection improved pain in the 6 weeks following the procedure, and function in the 3 months after, with no significant effect on calcification resorption.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTC02403856.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) is frequently diagnosed in patients with shoulder pain, but there is no consensus on its treatment such as rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, subacromial corticosteroid injection (SAI), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage (UGPL). The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of UGPL with other techniques in the treatment of RCCT.

METHODS

Literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature, Wanfang, Weipu Journal, and CNKI databases were performed up to August 2018. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing UGPL vs other methods for RCCT were included. Data collection and extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were performed according to the Cochrane standards.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs were included with 617 cases in all. The result of meta-analysis showed that: there were significant differences between the UGPL and ESWT group in 12-month follow-up VAS, constant shoulder score (CSS), the average particle size of the calcium deposition, and the calcification disappearance rate. However, there was no significant difference in complication between 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis indicates that UGPL has certain clinical effect for calcifying tendinitis of rotator cuff. Compared with ESWT, UGPL may be superior in clinical pain relief and calcification clearance. However, owing to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, additional high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Treatment of a calcific bursitis of the medial collateral ligament: a rare cause of painful knee

Medial knee pain is common in clinical practice and can be caused by various conditions. In rare cases, it can even be by calcific bursitis of the medial collateral ligament (MCL). Treatment of calcific bursitis and/or calcification of the MCL classically includes observation, local injections, shockwave therapy and surgical resection. We report a case of nontraumatic medial knee pain poorly responsive to conservative treatments. Ultrasound (US) imaging revealed a massive lobed hyperechoic formation with partial acoustic shadow in the MCL context compatible with calcific bursitis, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of the bursa's calcific deposit surrounded by hyperintense signal compatible with pericalcific edema. We performed a double-needle ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage (UGPL), which is today a fairly common treatment for many musculoskeletal disorders, such as rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy and elbow extensor tendons pathology, but regarding the knee, it is not part of ordinary care. This report shows the clinical and imaging presentation of calcific bursitis of the MCL and describes in detail the technique to perform the UGPL with a system of two needles, two syringes and a double connection to ensure a correct lavage of the calcium deposit without significant intrabursal pressure increase and consequently without pain during the procedure.

Migration of calcium deposit over the biceps brachii muscle, a rare complication of calcific tendinopathy: Ultrasound image and treatment

Calcific tendinopathy is characterized by the deposition of calcium, mostly hydroxyapatite crystals, in tendons. Women are more frequently affected than men, with prevalence in the fourth and fifth decades of life. This condition has been reported between 2.5 and 7.5% of healthy shoulders in adults, but other tendons may also be affected. A complication of this condition is the migration of calcium deposits from tendons, usually the supraspinatus, into the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa. We reported a rare complication of calcific tendinopathy, that is, calcium deposits migrated from the long head of the biceps tendon over the proximal tract of the biceps brachii muscle.

Calcific deposit needling in combination with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): A proposed treatment for supraspinatus calcified tendinopathy

Background: Calcified tendinopathy of the rotator cuff is one of the most common conditions concerning the shoulder pathology. It is characterized by a reactive calcification that affects the tendons being part of the rotator cuff. The reported prevalence varies from 2.7% to 22%. Most of the patients can be treated effectively with non-operative measures such as anti-inflammatory drugs, subacromial injection of steroid, physiotherapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and needle aspiration irrigation. Results of a treatment combining some of these methods have not been reported.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to present the radiological as well as the clinical results of our proposed protocol which combines drilling of the calcium deposits with xylocaine under ultrasound guidance, with a specific program of physiotherapy for 1 month without the use of NSAIDs.

Methods: Sixty-six consecutive patients (68 shoulders) were treated for calcified tendinitis of supraspinatus, which was diagnosed clinically and radiologically, with needle drilling using xylocaine under ultrasound guidance. After the drilling the patient followed a physiotherapy protocol with ESWT which included five visits within a month. After the end of the physiotherapy, the patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were measured before and after the end of the therapy.

Results: All the patients showed clinical improvement of the symptoms at the follow-up. The mean VAS score showed improvement from 8.1 to 3.3 whereas the mean DASH score was 27 and after the end of the therapy 5. Radiologically all but one calcific deposits were disappeared.

Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided drilling of the calcific deposit using xylocaine, in combination with physiotherapy using ESWT provides a reliable alternative treatment for the calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus

Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder: clinical perspectives into the mechanisms, pathogenesis, and treatment

Calcific tendinopathy (CT) of the shoulder is a common, painful condition characterized by the presence of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendons. Current theories indicate that CT may be the result of a cell-mediated process in which, after a stage of calcium deposition, calcifications are spontaneously resorbed. However, in a minority of cases, this self-healing process is somehow disrupted, resulting in symptoms. Recent literature shows an emerging role of biological and genetic factors underlying CT. This new evidence could supplement the classic mechanical theory of rotator cuff tendinopathy complicated by calcium precipitation, and it may also explain why the majority of the therapies currently in use are only able to provide partially satisfactory outcomes. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the pathological processes underlying CT of the shoulder and thereby justify the quest for advanced biological treatments of this condition when it becomes symptomatic.

Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis: Ultrasound-Guided Needling and Lavage Versus Subacromial Corticosteroids: Five-Year Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Barbotage (needling and lavage) is often applied in the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff (RCCT). In a previously published randomized controlled trial, we reported superior clinical and radiological 1-year outcomes for barbotage combined with a corticosteroid injection in the subacromial bursa (SAIC) compared with an isolated SAIC. There are no trials with a midterm or long-term follow-up of barbotage available.

PURPOSE

To compare the 5-year results of 2 regularly applied treatments of RCCT: ultrasound (US)-guided barbotage combined with a SAIC (group 1) versus an isolated US-guided SAIC (group 2).

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to group 1 or 2 and evaluated before and after treatment at regular time points until 12 months and also at 5 years using the Constant score (CS), the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). The calcification location and size and Gärtner classification were assessed on radiographs. The rotator cuff condition was evaluated with US. Results were analyzed using t tests, linear regression, and a mixed model for repeated measures.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included (mean age, 52.0 ± 7.3 years; 25 [52%] female) with a mean baseline CS of 68.7 ± 11.9. After a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 0.5 years, the mean CS was 90 (95% CI, 83.0-95.9) in group 1 versus 87 (95% CI, 80.5-93.5) in group 2 ( P = .58). The mean improvement in the CS in group 1 was 18 (95% CI, 12.3-23.0) versus 21 (95% CI, 16.2-26.2) in group 2 ( P = .32). There was total resorption in 62% of group 1 and 73% of group 2 ( P = .45). The US evaluation of the rotator cuff condition showed no significant differences between the groups. With the mixed model for repeated measures, taking into account the baseline CS and Gärtner classification, the mean treatment effect for barbotage was 6 (95% CI, -8.9 to 21.5), but without statistical significance. Follow-up scores were significantly associated with baseline scores and the duration of follow-up. Results for the DASH and WORC were similar. There were no significant complications, but 4 patients in group 1 and 16 in group 2 underwent additional treatment during the follow-up period ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION

No more significant differences were found in the clinical and radiological outcomes between barbotage combined with a SAIC versus an isolated SAIC after 5 years of follow-up. Registration: NTR2282 (Dutch Trial Registry).

Efficacy of triamcinolone acetate and methylprednisolone acetonide for intrabursal injection after ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment in painful shoulder calcific tendonitis: a randomized controlled trial

Background Ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT) with intrabursal steroid injection is an elective treatment for painful rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. Purpose To compare the efficacy of post-US-PICT intrabursal 40 mg injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) versus methylprednisolone acetate (MA). Material and Methods Forty patients (22 women; mean age 48.7 ± 7.2 years) with painful shoulder calcific tendinopathy, treated with TA or MA injected intrabursally after US-PICT, were included in this randomized controlled trial. At baseline and after 1, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 180 days, patients underwent US and clinical examination, using Constant (CS) and VAS (VS) scores. Complications and analgesic use were also recorded. Results Compared to baseline, at the 45-day follow-up, TA and MA group showed a similar improvement (Δ) in CS (42 ± 10 versus 36 ± 9 points) and VS (-4.4 ± 1.3 versus -3.6 ± 1.3 points). At the 180-day follow-up, the improvement was higher in TA versus MA (ΔCS: 53 ± 7 versus 44 ± 7 points; ΔVS: -4.9 ± 1.1 versus -3.9 ± 1 points). Multivariate analysis showed a mean CS higher ( P = 0.02) in TA versus MA group, while VS was similar. TA had a 5 × higher ( P = 0.007) chance of reaching complete remission (CS = 100 points) than MA group. A progressive decrease in analgesic use, concomitant to a significant and similar reduction of bursitis and calcifications, was observed in both groups. No major complications occurred. Conclusion Two-needle US-PICT with intrabursal steroid injection is safe and effective. The chance of reaching better scores and, even more important for a clinical perspective, of functional recovery, is higher in patients treated with TA than MA.

Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy: Randomized Comparison of US-guided Percutaneous Treatments by Using One or Two Needles

Purpose To determine whether the use of one or two needles influences procedure performance and patient outcomes for ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval and written informed patient consent were obtained. From February 2012 to December 2014, 211 patients (77 men and 134 women; mean age, 41.6 years ± 11.6; range, 24-69 years) with painful calcific tendinopathy diagnosed at US were prospectively enrolled and randomized. Operators subjectively graded calcifications as hard, soft, or fluid according to their appearance at US. US-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (local anesthesia, needle lavage, intrabursal steroid injection) was performed in 100 patients by using the single-needle procedure and in 111 patients by using the double-needle procedure. Calcium dissolution was subjectively scored (easy = 1; intermediate = 2; difficult = 3). Procedure duration was recorded. Clinical evaluation was performed by using the Constant score up to 1 year after the procedure. The occurrence of postprocedural bursitis was recorded. Mann-Whitney U, χ², and analysis of variance statistics were used. Results No difference in procedure duration was seen overall (P = .060). Procedure duration was shorter with the double-needle procedure in hard calcifications (P < .001) and with the single-needle procedure in fluid calcifications (P = .024). Ease of calcium dissolution was not different between single- and double-needle procedures, both overall and when considering calcification appearance (P > .089). No clinical differences were found (Constant scores for single-needle group: baseline, 55 ± 7; 1 month, 69 ± 7; 3 month, 90 ± 5; 1 year, 92 ± 4; double-needle group: 57 ± 6; 71 ± 9; 89 ± 7; 92 ± 4, respectively; P = .241). In the single-needle group, nine of 100 cases (9%) of postprocedural bursitis were seen, whereas four of 111 cases (3.6%) were seen in the double-needle group (P = .180). Conclusion The only difference between using the single- or double-needle procedure when performing US-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy is procedure duration in hard and fluid calcifications. Clinical outcomes are similar up to 1 year. ^© RSNA, 2017.

Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Lavage in the Treatment of Calcific Tendinopathy of Elbow Extensor Tendons: A Case Report

We report the efficacy of the ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment in the management of elbow extensor tendons calcific tendinopathy. The ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment is broadly used with positive results in patients suffering from rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. However, this interventional method has been reported only in one patient in the medical literature. A 34 years-old female who complained pain, swelling and severe functional limitation of the right elbow was referred to our unit. Elbow radiographs and ultrasound examination showed a soft-fluid calcification above the origin of the extensor tendons. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment was therefore performed. After one year, the patient reported no pain and regained complete range of elbow motion. This method, in well trained hands, is an alternative treatment in the management of the uncommon elbow calcific deposit.

KALK study: ultrasound guided needling and lavage (barbotage) with steroid injection versus sham barbotage with and without steroid injection - protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, controlled, multicenter study

Background

For the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder a variety of treatment regimes exist. Commonly used treatment measures include medication with oral analgesics, corticosteroid injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ultrasound guided needling and lavage, and surgical treatment. Earlier cohort studies suggest that patients may benefit from these treatments, but there are few randomized studies and conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of the various treatments. In the present study we aim to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound guided needling and lavage (barbotage) together with a steroid injection to sham barbotage with and without an additional steroid injection.

Methods

The study will be performed in six secondary-care institutions in Norway and Sweden. It is designed as a pragmatic, randomized, three-arm, parallel group, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial with a 2-year follow-up. It will be performed on 210 patients, aged 30 years or older, presenting with painful arc, positive impingement sign and a calcium deposit > 5 mm. Randomization to one of the three treatment options will be performed by using an online central randomization system. The three treatment groups are barbotage together with a subacromial steroid injection (the barbotage group), sham barbotage together with a subacromial steroid injection (the steroid group) or sham barbotage without a subacromial steroid injection (the placebo group). In the placebo group the steroid injection will be replaced by a short-acting local anaesthetic. Standardized home-based post-treatment physiotherapy will be performed by all patients for 8 weeks. Follow-ups are at 2 and 6 weeks, 4, 8, 12 and 24 months after treatment was given and will be performed with the patients and the outcome assessors blinded for group assignment. Primary outcome will be the Oxford shoulder score at 4 month follow-up. Secondary outcome measures are the QuickDASH upper extremity score, the EQ-5D-5L general health score and visual analogue scales for pain at rest, during activity, and at night.

Discussion

The scientific evidence from this placebo-controlled trial will be of importance for future treatment recommendations in patients with calcific tendinitis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02419040, registered 10 April 2015

EudraCT: 2015-002343-34, registered 23 September 2015 (retrospectively registered)

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1501-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Calcific Tendinopathy of the Gluteus Medius Mimicking Lumbar Radicular Pain Successfully Treated With Barbotage: A Case Report

We report a case of calcific tendinopathy of the gluteus medius initially misdiagnosed as a lumbar herniated intervertebral disc. It was successfully treated with barbotage under ultrasonographic guidance finally. A 56-year-old woman was referred to interventional pain clinic for right hip pain due to an L5-S1 disc herniation. Serial L5 and S1 spinal nerve root blocks and epidural steroid injections were administered. However, pain relief was sustained only for a very short period. Plain radiography of the right hip revealed a solid calcific nodule at adjacent to the insertion site of the gluteus medius tendon. Physical modalities and extracorporeal shock wave therapy failed to improve the pain. Therefore, we attempted ultrasound-guided barbotage of the calcification. Barbotage was performed twice serially and her pain was considerably improved. At 6-month follow-up, the calcification was completely resolved.

Radiological and clinical predictors of long-term outcome in rotator cuff calcific tendinitis

OBJECTIVES

Knowledge on the epidemiology and long-term course of rotator cuff calcific tendinitis (RCCT) is scarce. We assessed demographics, radiological characteristics, and their association with long-term outcomes in a large patient group.

METHODS

Baseline demographics, radiological characteristics and treatment were recorded in 342 patients. Interobserver agreement of radiological measures was analyzed. Long-term outcome was evaluated with questionnaires (WORC, DASH). The association of baseline characteristics with outcome was assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 49.0 (SD = 10.0), and 59.5 % were female. The dominant arm was affected in 66.0 %, and 21.3 % had bilateral disease. Calcifications were on average 18.7 mm (SD = 10.1, ICC = 0.84 (p < 0.001)) and located 10.1 mm (SD = 11.8) medially to the acromion (ICC = 0.77 (p < 0.001)). Gärtner type I calcifications were found in 32.1 % (Kappa = 0.47 (p < 0.001)). After 14 years (SD = 7.1) of follow-up, median WORC was 72.5 (range, 3.0-100.0; WORC < 60 in 42 %) and median DASH 17.0 (range, 0.0-82.0). Female gender, dominant arm involvement, bilateral disease, longer duration of symptoms, and multiple calcifications were associated with inferior WORC. DASH results were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Many subjects have persisting shoulder complaints years after diagnosis, regardless of treatment. Female gender, dominant arm involvement, bilateral disease, longer duration of symptoms, and multiple calcifications were associated with inferior outcome. Radiological measures had moderate-to-good reliability and no prognostic value.

KEY POINTS

• Most RCCT studies report on short-term outcome and/or small patients groups. • In this large, long-term observational study, RCCT appeared to not be self-limiting in many subjects. • Negative prognostic factors included female gender, more calcifications, dominant arm affected, and longer duration of symptoms. • Interobserver agreement of general radiological RCCT measures is moderate to good. • More rigorous diagnostics and treatment might be needed in specific RCCT cases.

Acute Calcific Bursitis After Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Barbotage of Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy: A Case Report

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous barbotage is an effective treatment for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, providing rapid and substantial pain relief. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman with aggravated pain early after ultrasound-guided barbotage of a large calcific deposit in the supraspinatus tendon. Subsequent examination revealed a thick calcification spreading along the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa space, suggesting acute calcific bursitis complicated by barbotage. Additional barbotage alleviated her pain completely. Therefore, a high index of suspicion for acute calcific bursitis is required in patients with unresolved or aggravated pain after barbotage. Repeated barbotage could be effective for this condition.

The Effectiveness of High-Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound-Guided Needling Versus Arthroscopic Surgery in the Management of Chronic Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The objectives of this comprehensive quantitative review of the treatment of calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff were to investigate if there is a sustainable positive effect on outcomes after treatment with high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or ultrasound (US)-guided needling and to compare these results with those of treatment with arthroscopic surgery.

METHODS

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to conduct this review. A systematic literature search was conducted in December 2014 to identify relevant clinical articles in peer-reviewed journals with at least 6 months' follow-up. Each article was scored using the Coleman Methodology Score. The primary endpoints were functional outcome and radiologic change in the size of the calcific deposit.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included (1,258 shoulders). The mean Coleman Methodology Score for the included studies was 77.1 ± 9.1. Overall, good to excellent clinical outcomes were achieved after treatment with either high-energy ESWT, US-guided needling, or arthroscopic surgery, with an improvement in the Constant-Murley score ranging between 26.3 and 41.5 points after 1 year. No severe side effects or long-term complications were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients can achieve good to excellent clinical outcomes after high-energy ESWT, US-guided needling, and arthroscopy for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder. Side effects and post-treatment complications should be taken into account when a decision is being made for each individual patient. Physicians should consider high-energy ESWT and US-guided needling as minimally invasive treatment options when primary conservative treatment fails. Arthroscopy can safely be used as a very effective but more invasive secondary option, although the extent of deposit removal and the additional benefit of subacromial decompression remain unclear.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level I, II, and IV studies.

Characterizing the Progression of Varying Types of Calcific Tendinitis around Hip

Purpose

To assess the progression of clinical symptoms and disease course of calcific tendinitis in the hip region according to types of calcification.

Materials and Methods

Among patients with the hip pain, 28 patients (21 males and 7 females; mean age 51 years, range 32-74 years) showing calcified lesions in simple radiography without other possible sources of pain were analyzed retrospectively. Twelve patients displayed a symptom duration of less than three weeks (acute; average=1±0.9 week) and 16 displayed greater than three weeks (chronic; average=21.0±19.5 weeks). Lesions were classified as nodular (11, 39.3%), nodular-fragmented (13, 46.4%), or amorphous (4, 14.3%). Initial symptoms, progression of clinical features, radiological findings and prognosis were investigated and analyzed according to calcification type.

Results

In 15 patients (53.6%), lesions were located superior to the great trochanter. On average, the acute group was younger (44.58 vs. 55.44 years, P=0.006), suffered more (mean pain Numeric Rating Scale [NRS], 6.3 vs. 3.8; P<0.001), and recovered more (difference between initial and follow-up NRS, 5.1 vs. 2.63; <<0.001) than the chronic group. The mean length of initial lesions was longer in the acute group than the chronic group (15.8 vs. 9.1 mm, P=0.008). When compared to patients with distinctive margins (15, 53.6%), those with nondistinctive margins showed better improvement (difference between initial and follow-up NRS, 4.7 vs. 2.8; P=0.01) and more significant decrease in lesion size (difference between initial and follow-up length, 10.8 vs. 2.6 mm; P=0.003).

Conclusion

Calcific tendinitis occurring in the hip area displayed a variety of characteristics. Although complaining of more severe pain in the initial phase, patients with acute pain or calcific lesions with nondistinctive margins showed better symptom improvement when compared to their counterparts.

Imaging of Tendinopathy: A Physician's Perspective

Imaging plays an important role in the clinical evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal-related pain, but its utility for the management of tendinopathy is debatable. Findings on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may not correlate with clinical symptoms, and it is not uncommon to find anatomical changes associated with tendinopathy in tendons of asymptomatic individuals. Likewise, patients with clinical symptoms of tendinopathy can present with normal imaging evaluation. The use of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound has significantly increased over the past decade in a bid for better treatments of tendinopathy. Despite the limitations of traditional imaging in the diagnosis and management of tendinopathy, interventional procedures that utilize ultrasound hold promise. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(11):826-828. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0113.

Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder

Ultrasound is an established modality for shoulder evaluation, being accurate, low cost and radiation free. Different pathological conditions can be diagnosed using ultrasound and can be treated using ultrasound guidance, such as degenerative, traumatic or inflammatory diseases. Subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis is the most common finding on ultrasound evaluation for painful shoulder. Therapeutic injections of corticosteroids are helpful to reduce inflammation and pain. Calcific tendinopathy of rotator cuff affects up to 20% of painful shoulders. Ultrasound-guided treatment may be performed with both single- and double-needle approach. Calcific enthesopathy, a peculiar form of degenerative tendinopathy, is a common and mostly asymptomatic ultrasound finding; dry needling has been proposed in symptomatic patients. An alternative is represented by autologous platelet-rich plasma injections. Intra-articular injections of the shoulder can be performed in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and degenerative diseases with corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid respectively. Steroid injections around the long head of the biceps brachii tendon are indicated in patients with biceps tendinopathy, reducing pain and humeral tenderness. The most common indication for acromion-clavicular joint injection is degenerative osteoarthritis, with ultrasound representing a useful tool in localizing the joint space and properly injecting various types of drugs (steroids, lidocaine or hyaluronic acid). Suprascapular nerve block is an approved treatment for chronic shoulder pain non-responsive to conventional treatments as well as candidate patients for shoulder arthroscopy. This review provides an overview of these different ultrasonography-guided procedures that can be performed around the shoulder.

Perspectives in ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal interventions

Ultrasonography (USG) is a safe, easily available, and cost-effective modality, which has the additional advantage of being real time for imaging and image-guided interventions of the musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal interventions are gaining popularity in sports and rehabilitation for rapid healing of muscle and tendon injuries in professional athletes, healing of chronic tendinopathies, aspiration of joint effusions, periarticular bursae and ganglia, and perineural injections in acute and chronic pain syndromes. This article aims to provide an overview of the spectrum of musculoskeletal interventions that can be done under USG guidance both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Smoking and morphology of calcific deposits affect the outcome of needle aspiration of calcific deposits (NACD) for calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff

INTRODUCTION

Although NACD has proven to be an effective minimal invasive treatment for calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff, little is known about the factors associated with treatment failure or the need for multiple procedures.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis who were treated by NACD were evaluated in a retrospective cohort study. Demographic details, medical history, sonographic and radiographic findings were collected from patient files. Failure of NACD was defined as the persistence of symptoms after a follow-up of at least six months. NACD procedures performed within six months after a previous NACD procedure were considered repeated procedures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with treatment failure and multiple procedures.

RESULTS

431 patients (277 female; mean age 51.4±9.9 years) were included. Smoking (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.7, 95% CI 1.0-2.7, p=0.04) was significantly associated with failure of NACD. Patients with Gärtner and Heyer (GH) type I calcific deposits were more likely to need multiple NACD procedures (AOR: 3.4, 95% CI 1.6-7.5, p<0.01) compared to patients with type III calcific deposits. Partial thickness rotator cuff tears were of no influence on the outcome of NACD or the number of treatments necessary.

CONCLUSION

Smoking almost doubled the chance of failure of NACD and the presence of GH type I calcific deposits significantly increased the chance of multiple procedures. Partial thickness rotator cuff tears did not seem to affect the outcome of NACD. Based on the findings in this study, the importance of quitting smoking should be emphasized prior to NACD and partial thickness rotator cuff tears should not be a reason to withhold patients NACD.