The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shockwaves on chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. We studied 4 patients with chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy was applied using Dornier Epos (Dornier Company, Germany). The JOA score, the VAS score (resting pain, night pain and tenderness) and plain radiographs before and after the shock wave treatments were studied in 4 shoulders.
The average JOA score was 55.5 points (range,37-70 points) just before the start of the shock wave application. At the end of this study and over-three months after the shock wave application, it was 75.5 points (range,57-98 points). The VAS scores were decreased in all 4 patients after the shock wave application. The areas of calcification were reduced in 3 out of 4 shoulders. We concluded that extracorporeal shock wave therapy was useful for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
