Sonographically guided percutaneous needle lavage in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: short- and long-term results.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of sonographically guided percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder and to study the progress of calcifications and symptoms in the first year after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Symptoms and radiologic findings after percutaneous aspiration of calcific tendinitis were prospectively evaluated in the short and the long term using a shoulder pain and disability index, evaluation of shoulder motion, and a survey of the self-perception by the patients regarding the progress of their disease. RESULTS Sixty-seven consecutive shoulders were treated. A significant improvement was seen in shoulder motion, pain, and disability in the short term and in the long term (p < 0.0001). One year after treatment, 91% of shoulders had substantially or completely improved, 64% had perfect motion, and calcifications on radiography had resolved completely or nearly completely in 89%. A transitory recurrence was observed approximately 15 weeks after treatment in 44.3% of shoulders that improved. CONCLUSION Percutaneous needle aspiration and lavage is effective in the short term and in the long term in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, with results similar to or better than those published for other techniques, and it is only slightly invasive and painful. Progress after treatment may include a transitory period of recurrence of the pain.