Preoperative ultrasonographic mapping of calcium deposits facilitates localization during arthroscopic surgery for calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff.

Abstract

Calcifying tendinitis is a relatively common disorder of the rotator cuff. For symptomatic patients, excision of the calcium deposits offers reliable pain relief. The arthroscopic technique is demanding. Arthroscopic localization of the deposit is frequently demanding. The technique described in this article facilitates the localization of calcium deposits based on preoperative ultrasonography. Knowing the exact topography of the deposit relative to the visible landmarks allows the surgeon to localize the site of the deposit from the intra-articular view. Probing the rotator cuff with a spinal needle and looking for calcific material at the tip of the needle is an important step in verifying the location of the deposit.