Calcific tendinitis is a common condition where calcium deposits form in a tendon, sometimes causing pain at the affected site. Deposits can occur in several places in the body, but are by far most common in the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Around 80% of those with deposits experience symptoms, typically chronic pain during certain shoulder movements, or sharp acute pain that worsens at night. Calcific tendinitis is typically diagnosed by physical exam and X-ray imaging. The disease often resolves completely on its own, but is typically treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain, rest and physical therapy to promote healing, and in some cases various procedures to breakdown and/or remove the calcium deposits. Adults aged 30–50 are most commonly affected by calcific tendinitis. It is twice as common in women as men, and is not associated with exercise. Calcifications in the rotator cuff were first described by Ernest Codman in 1934. The name, "calcifying tendinitis" was coined by Henry Plenk in 1952. Signs and symptoms
Up to 20% of those with calcific tendinitis have no symptoms. For those with symptoms, the symptoms vary based on the phase of the disease. In the initial "formative phase" when the calcium deposits are being formed, people rarely experience any symptoms. Those that do have symptoms tend to have intermittent shoulder pain, particularly during forward should flexion (i.e. lifting the arm in front of the body). In the "resorptive phase" when the calcium deposit is breaking down, many experience severe acute pain that worsens at night.
History
Calcifications in the rotator cuff tendon were first described by Ernest Codman in his 1934 book The Shoulder. In 1952, in his study on x-ray therapy for people with such calcifications, Henry Plenk coined the term "calcifying tendinitis". References
External links
eMedicine on Calcific Tendonitis
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (subscription required)