Arthroscopic therapy for chronically calcified supraspinatus tendinitis

Objective: To analyze the outcome and operation techniques of arthroscopic removal of calcified supraspinatus tendinitis. Methods: Arthroscopic operation was performed in 37 patients with calcified supraspinatus tendinitis.Shoulder function of the patients was evaluated using the constant-Murley score,VAS,ASES and radiographs before and after operation. Results: The shoulder function of patients was improved,and the symptoms were disappeared or partially disappeared after operation.The radiographs showed reservation of partially calcified deposit in 5 patients.The shoulder function of patients according to the constant-Murley score,VAS,ASES was significantly improved. Conclusion: Arthroscopic therapy is a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with calcified supraspinatus tendinitis,especially for those with a poor outcome of conservative treatment.