Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendonitis of subscapularis and supraspinatus tendon: a case report

Reports concerning the surgical treatment of calcifying tendinits of the subscapularis tendon are rare. We present the case of a symptomatic calcifying tendonitis involving the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons. The patient was treated with an arthroscopic removal of the calcific deposits. One year after the surgical procedure the patient was completely pain free, had full range-of-motion and negative supraspinatus and subscapularis signs on manual muscle testing. The overall constant score was 93 points. Radiographic evaluation revealed a complete removal of the calcific deposits immediately after the procedure without recurrence after 1 year. We conclude that a combined arthroscopic removal of the calcific deposits of the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons can lead to an excellent clinical outcome without compromising the functional integrity of the rotator cuff tendons.