A simple and cost effective way of treating calcium tendinitis of the shoulder was revealed by Spanish researchers,led by Dr. Del Cura, publishing in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Calcium tendinitis presents as small calcium deposits (1 – 2 cm) on the rotator cuff of the shoulder in individuals over 35 years old. Often painful, some resolve spontaneously, but others persist and become disabling.
Traditional treatment involves shockwave therapy to the shoulder, and in worst case scenarios, surgery.
Dr. del Cura’s treatments, in contrast to surgery, are relatively non-invasive, and involve percutaneous needle lavage (with lidocaine or saline solution) guided by sonography.
In a study of 67 shoulders, 91% were "substantially or completely improved." Of note is that "transitory" recurrences were observed 15 weeks after treatment in 44% of shoulders that had previously improved.
Source: American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR 2007; 189:W128-W134)
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