Arthroscopic Ultrasound-Guided Needling: An Effective Technique for the Treatment of Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy.

Abstract

Calcifying tendinopathies of the rotator cuff that do not respond to conservative treatment may require arthroscopic removal. Intraoperative localization of calcifications can be difficult and is usually performed by bursal needle probing. We present a surgical technique combining arthroscopy and intraoperative ultrasonography based on the ultrasound-guided needle technique to precisely and rapidly locate even small calcium deposits. The modalities may differ depending on tendon topography. This nonirradiating technique with this compact device should be more widely used.