Shoulder Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis is a form of tendinitis, is a disorder characterized by deposits of hydroxyapatite or crystalline calcium phosphate in any tendon of the body, but most commonly in the tendons of the rotator cuff causing pain and inflammation.

Symptoms of Calcific Tendinitis

Pain is exacerbated by reaching and lifting above shoulder level or by lying on the shoulder. Other complaints may be associated with crepitation, weakness and loss of motion.

Diagnosis of Calcific Tendinitis

The calcific deposits are visible on X-ray as discrete lumps or cloudy areas. The deposits look cloudy on X-ray if they are in the process of re-absorption, and this is also when they cause the most pain. The deposits are crystalline when in their resting phase and like toothpaste in the re-absorptive phase.