Abstract
Six cases for chronic calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff which had failed to respond to conservative treatment for over six months underwent arthroscopic surgery. The cases were four males and two females, with an averaged age of 46 years old. The duration of disorder ranged from eight to twenty months with an average of 13 months. The mean follow-up period was 10 months. Preoperative plain radiography and a three-dimensional computerized tomography were done on all patients in order to determine the localization of the calcium deposits in the cuff. Following arthroscopic subacrominal decompression (ASD), calcium deposits were removed through a small incision made on the cuff. The incision on the cuff was closed in five cases. All patients were evaluated by the shoulder score of the Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA score), the range of motion and plain radiography.
The average postoperative JOA score of 64 points was better than preoperative score of 94 points. Preoperative range of motion exercise with an average of flex 125°, abd 120°, ER 45° improved to flex 172°, abd 170°, ER 60° postoperatively. The calcium deposits in the cuff of all patients were not delineated by postoperative plain radiography.
We concluded Arthroscopic surgery was very useful for the treatment of chronic calcifying tendonitis of the rotator cuff, which had failed to respond to conservative treatment.
