The purpose of this report is to evaluate the histological changes of the symptomatic calcific tendinitis in the shoulder and decide the most reasonable treatment on the individual basis, depending on symptoms and X-ray findings.
This study was composed of 18 patients ( 4 were males and 14 were females ) out of 180 patients. Their average age was 51.9 ranging from 36 to 74. The histological changes were observed in 4 parts; the deltoid muscle, the roof of the subacromial bursa ( SAB ), the floor of the SAB, the rotator cuff. The histological study revealed a slightly mild inflammation associated with some small ro u nd cells in the deltoid muscle, mild inflammation associated with a few neutrophis in the roof of the SAB, necrosis and calcific deposits; severe inflammation associated with numerous neutrophils; giant cells in the floor of the SAB; and more slightly milder inflammations associated with a few small round cells in the rotator cuff.
We conclude that the main c a use of symptoms of symptomatic tendinitis calcarea is a severe inflammation associated with necrosis, calcific deposits, neutrophils and giant cells in the floor of the subacromial bursa. Therefore, so-called "Symptomatic tendinitis calcarea" should be considered to be "Calcific subacromial bursitis". "Calcific subacromial bursitis" should be treated, first, by aspiration and infusion, secondly, by surgical excision of the calcific deposits including the subacromial bursa, but excluding the rotator cuff, and on occasion anterior acromioplasty.
