Progressive Calcification of Supraspinatus Tendon in Patients With Calcific Tendinitis: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Background. Calcific tendinitis (CT) is a common disease characterized by the presence of calcific deposits in the tendons of the rotator cuff. CT has a wave-like course, and the formed calcification tends to be resorbed. The lysis of the calcium deposits is characterized by a strong pain syndrome, and the site of the calcification is replaced by collagen. The aim to demonstrate clinical observations in which the deposited calcification in the rotator cuff did not resorb but increased over time. Cases presentation. We report on two rare clinical cases of an increase in calcification of the rotator cuff in patients aged 51 and 50 years old. Calcific tendinitis occurred with periods of remission and exacerbation. During exacerbations, conservative treatment was carried out, including courses of massage, physiotherapy, and pain relief therapy. In one case, a single injection of a hormonal drug was performed. Control X-rays and MRI during one of the exacerbations showed an increase in the size of the calcifications. Due to the lack of effect from conservative treatment and the detected increase in calcifications, a decision was made to perform surgical treatment. Arthroscopic removal of calcifications with re-fixation of the supraspinatus tendon and elimination of internal damage was performed on both patients. Good results were noted on the follow-up examination according to the ASES orthopedic score, as well as clinical examination data. Conclusion. The presented case reports illustrate the possible increase in calcification, unlike the standard course of the disease, in which the calcification is resorbed. Further study of this pathology is necessary to establish the causes and mechanisms of calcification increase over time and its dependence on the phase of the disease.

Keywords

• calcific tendinitis
• rotator cuff
• calcification of the rotator cuff