Progression from calcifying tendinitis to rotator cuff tear

This report documents the clinical, radiographic and histologic findings in a 46-year-old man with calcifying tendinitis in his left shoulder which progressed to rotator cuff tear. The patient had a 1-year history of repeated calcifying tendinitis before being referred to our hospital. On the initial visit, radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed calcium deposition localized in the supraspinatus tendon without apparent tear. Three months after the first visit, MRI revealed a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear at the site of calcium deposition. Surgical and histologic findings demonstrated that calcium deposition was the cause of cuff rupture. To our knowledge, based on a review of the English literature, this is the first case report in which the progression from calcifying tendinitis to rotator cuff tear has been serially observed.     

Calcifying tendinosis of the pectoralis major muscle with intraosseous migration

Calcifying tendinosis is characterized by macroscopic deposits of hydroxyapatite within the tendon. Most cases involve the tendons of the rotator cuff, fundamentally the supraspinous tendon, and less frequently other tendons in practically any location. Cortical erosion with intraosseous migration of calcium deposits is rare. An atypical location combined with bone involvement can often lead to confusion with other processes like an infection or malignant tumor resulting in unnecessary biopsies or interventions. We present the case of a man who presented with pain and loss of function of the shoulder. Plain-film X-rays showed an erosion of the anteromedial cortex of the proximal diaphysis of the humerus with extra- and intra-osseous calcifications that made us suspect an infectious or malignant process. The findings at computed tomography, together with the clinical and radiological course, were key in enabling us to recognize this atypical presentation of calcifying tendinosis of the pectoralis major muscle.     

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. No potential conflict of interest declared by both authors.     

Rotator cuff tears: assessment with MR arthrography in 275 patients with arthroscopic correlation

We assessed the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness and full-thickness rotator cuff tears in a large symptomatic population. MR arthrograms obtained in 275 patients including a study group of 139 patients with rotator cuff tears proved by arthroscopy and a control group of 136 patients with arthroscopically intact rotator cuff tendons were reviewed in random order. MR imaging was performed on a 1.0 T system (Magnetom Expert, Siemens). MR arthrograms were analyzed by two radiologists in consensus for articular-sided partial-thickness and full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons. At arthroscopy, 197 rotator cuff tears were diagnosed, including 105 partial-thickness (93 supraspinatus, nine infraspinatus, three subscapularis) and 92 full-thickness (43 supraspinatus, 20 infraspinatus, 29 subscapularis) tendon tears. For full-thickness tears, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 96%, 99%, and 98%, respectively, and for partial tears 80%, 97%, and 95%, respectively. False negative and positive assessments in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness tears were predominantly [78% (35/45)] observed with small articular-sided (Ellman grade1) tendon tears. MR arthrography is highly accurate in the diagnosis of full-thickness rotator cuff tears and is accurate in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness tears. Limitations in the diagnosis of partial-thickness tears are mainly restricted to small articular-sided tears (Ellman grade 1) due to difficulties in differentiation between fiber tearing, tendinitis, synovitic changes, and superficial fraying at tendon margins.     

Arthroscopic management of calcific tendinitis of the subscapularis tendon

Calcific tendinitis is a common disorder of the rotator cuff. Conservative treatment is frequently successful. For the patients remaining symptomatic after conservative treatment, excision of the calcium deposits offers a generally reliable pain relief. While calcific tendinitis is seen commonly affecting the supraspinatus tendon, it has been rarely reported involving the subscapularis tendon. We report on the clinical features, radiographic findings, arthroscopic treatment and results of one patient who presented a calcific tendonitis involving the subscapularis tendon of the left shoulder unresponsive to conservative treatment and associated subcoracoid stenosis and coracoid impingement.     

Intraosseous calcium migration in calcifying tendinitis: a rare cause of single sclerotic injury in the humeral head (2010: 2b)

Intratendinous deposits of hydroxyapatite crystals are very common, particularly in the rotator cuff. In rare cases, the calcium located in the thickness of the supraspinatus tendon can suffer intraosseous migration into the greater tuberosity. We present a case of this rare entity: a 28-year-old patient who attended with pain and functional weakness in the left shoulder. The plain radiograph showed a sclerotic lesion in the greater tuberosity of the humeral head with a radiolucent halo. The MRI showed a lytic lesion containing the calcium inside and associated with an extensive pattern of oedema of the accompanying bone marrow. A plain radiograph taken 6 months before showed a calcifying tendinitis in the thickness of the supraspinatus tendon. A large number of entities can present as single sclerotic lesions of the humeral head. The diagnostic key lies in the existence of the calcifying tendinitis in the earlier study. The treatment of this disease consists of surgical removal of the calcium. The recognition of this entity is important to avoid unnecessary complementary tests and aggressive surgery, given that the surgical treatment is curative and leads to disappearance of the symptoms.     

Ultrasonography in lesions of the rotator cuff and biceps tendon

Ultrasonography (US) of the shoulder joint was performed in 88 patients, 15 of whom were referred for surgery. US was made with a real-time linear-array scanner, provided with a transducer of 7.5 MHz. Subsequently, all patients underwent single-contrast arthrography of the shoulder. When compared with the arthrographic findings, diagnosis by US showed 21 true positive, 3 false positive, 57 true negative and 7 false negative cases of a full-thickness tear of the rotator cuff. Small tears (2 cm or less in diameter) may be the most difficult to assess. US readily revealed biceps tendinitis and rupture of the biceps tendon, as well as fluid collection in the bursae above the rotator cuff tendons.     

Complications of rotator cuff surgery in which bioabsorbable anchors are used

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the utility of MRI in patients with new or persistent pain after surgery with bioabsorbable rotator cuff anchors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Three musculoskeletal radiologists prospectively reviewed MRIs of 30 patients with pain after rotator cuff repair with fixation by rotator cuff anchors. Each radiologist described the location of the rotator cuff anchors and whether the supraspinatus tendon was intact or not. MRI findings were correlated with second-look arthroscopy. Consensus MRI interpretations by the three radiologists were obtained retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients, nine had dislodgement of the rotator cuff anchors from the humeral head along with a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon retear. The dislodged rotator cuff anchor position could be determined on coronal and sagittal MRIs, providing the orthopedic surgeon a preoperative map for tendon reattachment and retrieval of the dislodged rotator cuff anchor. Four patients had loose rotator cuff anchors but intact supraspinatus tendons. Three patients had supraspinatus tendon retears, but the rotator cuff anchors were intact. In all 16 patients, arthroscopic findings confirmed MRI findings. Fourteen patients had intact rotator cuff anchors and intact supraspinatus tendons on MRI. Of these 14 patients, five had second-look arthroscopy confirming MRI findings. CONCLUSION: MRI is useful in the assessment of patients with persistent or new-onset pain after supraspinatus tendon repair with rotator cuff anchors. MRI provides a presurgical map for second-look arthroscopy to assess retear of the supraspinatus tendon and also aids in retrieval of dislodged rotator cuff anchors.     

Ultrasonography of the tendons of the shoulder

The purpose of the present study was to compare ultrasonographic signs with macroscopic and histological findings in lesions of the rotator cuff and the biceps tendon. Twenty-six shoulder joints from 10 male and 3 female cadavers, ranging in age from 40 to 89 years (mean 65.9), were examined with a linear array real-time ultrasonographic scanner provided with a 7.5 MHz transducer. Arthrotomy and histological preparations were made after ultrasonography. Thinning and discontinuity of echogenic homogenicity of the tendons of the rotator cuff were the most reliable ultrasonographic signs of a total tear of the tendon, but focal hyper- and hypo-echogenic changes of the tendons of the rotator cuff were unreliable criteria. Partial tears of the rotator cuff were difficult to determine with static ultrasonograms. Ultrasonography readily revealed discontinuity of echogenic homogenicity of the biceps tendon as a sign of a rupture of the tendon, which was commonly associated with rotator cuff tears.     

Calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii distal to the glenohumeral joint: plain film radiographic findings

Calcific tendinitis is a painful condition related to deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals; it favors large joints. The shoulder, specifically the tendons of the rotator cuff and the insertion of the long head of the biceps on the superior glenoid rim, is a well-recognized location for this abnormality. The purpose of this article is to describe a second site of calcific tendinitis of the biceps, distal to the joint and corresponding to the junction of the tendon and muscle. Radiographs in 119 cases of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, obtained between 1980 and 1988, were reviewed. Twenty had calcific tendinitis in the region of the tendon of the long head of the biceps (nine at the glenoid insertion and 11 adjacent to the humeral shaft). All 11 patients with calcific tendinitis at the more distal site had a small, homogeneous deposit adjacent to the proximal humeral shaft. The densities in these 11 cases followed the normal course of the tendon of the long head of the biceps and were therefore medial to the proximal humeral shaft on the internal rotation view, lateral to the proximal humeral shaft on the external rotation view, and anterior to the proximal humeral shaft on the axillary projection. The major differential diagnosis of calcific tendinitis of the tendon of the long head of the biceps is loose bodies trapped in the biceps tendon sheath. Although the position of the soft-tissue densities in these two entities is similar, loose bodies have an appearance of bone, and their source (degenerative arthritis or recurrent dislocations) is usually apparent. A site of calcific tendinitis distal to the glenohumeral joint that is detectable on plain films is reviewed. Accurate diagnosis depends on understanding the anatomy of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii. The clinical charts of the 11 patients also are summarized, with emphasis on the association between the roentgen finding and bicipital tendinitis and impingement syndrome.     

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder

Purpose  

Strategies for extracorporeal shockwave therapy in calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff vary concerning quantity of sessions and doses. The purpose of this prospective pilot study was to determine the difference between the outcome of a single high-dosage extracorporeal shockwave therapy and two sessions of low-dosage extracorporeal shockwave therapy.     

Mechanical properties of the rotator cuff: response to cyclic loading at varying abduction angles

The rotator cuff is loaded under static as well as dynamic conditions. Whilst the static properties of the rotator cuff muscle-tendon junctions have been reported, the dynamic mechanical behaviour has not. This study reports the dynamic mechanical properties with varying abduction angles in a human cadaver rotator cuff. No significant effect was found with varying the angle of testing or in the presence of a tear in the tendon. The supraspinatus was found to be the stiffest of the rotator cuff tendons followed by the subscapularis and infraspinatus.     

Medium-energy shock wave therapy in the treatment of rotator cuff calcifying tendinitis

To evaluate the results of the treatment with medium-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in rotator cuff calcifying tendinitis. Fifty-four non-consecutive patients, who were referred to our institute for rotator cuff calcifying tendinitis, were managed with a standardized protocol in four sessions of medium-energy (0.11 mJ/mm²) ESWT administered with an electromagnetic lithotriptor. Pain was evaluated at the end of each session, functional state of shoulder was assessed at 1 and 6 months after the end of procedure. All patients underwent radiographs and sonography imaging. No systemic or local complications. Thirty-eight patients (70%) reported satisfactory functional results. Radiographs and sonographs showed a disappearance of calcium deposit in 29 patients (54%) and in 19 patients (35%) it appeared to be reduced more than a half. A correlation was found between residual calcium deposit and the clinical outcome, but some patients showed a reduced pain without modification of calcium deposit. These results were unmodified at 6 months follow-up. Our protocol of medium-energy ESWT provides good results overall about pain modulation.     

The vascularity of the rotator cuff

The major arterial supply to the rotator cuff is derived from the ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery, the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery, as well as the suprascapular and posterior humeral circumflex arteries. The pathogenesis of rotator cuff tears has been considered to be influenced by the microvascular supply of the rotator cuff tendons. Most cadaver studies have demonstrated a hypovascular area within the critical zone of the supraspinatus tendon. It has been suggested that this area of hypovascularity has a significant role in the attritional degeneration of the aging tendon. More recent studies of the microvascular supply to the supraspinatus tendon in symptomatic patients with impingement syndrome suggest that in the area of greatest impingement, i.e., the critical zone, there is actually hypervascularity. In contrast to the cadaver investigations, these studies seem to imply that hypervascularity or neovascularization is associated with symptomatic rotator cuff disease secondary to mechanical impingement.     

Normal rotator cuff: MR imaging with conventional and fat-suppression techniques

The signal intensity and morphologic characteristics of the rotator cuff and surrounding structures at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were investigated with five pulse sequences in 15 asymptomatic subjects. In all subjects, a focal region of relative increased signal intensity corresponding to the critical zone was observed in the supraspinatus tendon just proximal to its insertion. Soft-tissue signal intensity (isointense with muscle) was also located between the supraspinatus tendon and underlying joint capsule, interposed between the conjoined leaves of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, and superolateral to the conjoined cuff tendon, near its insertion. These regions were most conspicuous and most clearly defined with fat-suppression imaging. Small amounts of fluid were observed within the joint space and its recesses, the bicipital tendon sheath, and the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa. These and other MR imaging findings of this study previously have been regarded as indicative of rotator cuff abnormalities. These results will help refine the criteria for diagnosis of rotator cuff disorders with MR imaging.     

Occult Interpositional Rotator Cuff - an Extremely Rare Case of Traumatic Rotator Cuff Tear

Traumatic interposition of a rotator cuff tendon in the glenohumeral joint without recognizable glenohumeral dislocation is an unusual complication after shoulder trauma. Here we report the clinical and imaging presentations of a 17-year-old man with trapped rotator cuff tendons in the glenohumeral joint after a bicycle accident. The possible trauma mechanism is also discussed.     

Role of growth factors in rotator cuff healing

The histologic lesion underlying overuse rotator cuff tendinopathy is a failed healing response, with haphazard proliferation of tenocytes, disruption of tendon cells and collagen fibers, and increased noncollagenous extracellular matrix. Recent attention has focused on the biological pathways by which tendons heal, leading to the identification of several growth factors (GFs) involved in this process. No studies have been published on the time course of the various GFs during rotator cuff healing process in vivo, in humans. We review what is known about these GFs and their role in rotator cuff healing.     

Coexistence of calcific tendinitis and rotator cuff tear: an arthrographic study

A prospective evaluation of the coexistence of calcific tendinitis and tear of the rotator cuff demonstrated by arthrography was made in patients presenting with shoulder pain. Patients were X-rayed using conventional views and impingement views. Eighty-one patients (mean age 61.2 years) with calcific tendinitis underwent arthrography. Arthrography showed 22 partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff. A small rather than a large amount of calcification was more likely to be associated with a rotator cuff tear (p = 0.005). The coexistence of calcific tendinitis with rotator cuff tear is not uncommon, especially in older age groups.