Non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: ultrasonographic diagnosis and treatment

J Ultrasound. 2020 Sep;23(3):301-315. doi: 10.1007/s40477-019-00393-2. Epub 2019 Jun 13.

Abstract

Calcific tendinopathy is a condition that is related to the deposition of calcium, mostly hydroxyapatite crystals, within the tendons. The shoulder and the hip are commonly affected joints, but calcific tendinopathy may occur in any tendon of the body. While there is an extensive literature on the ultrasound diagnosis of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, there are only sporadic reports on other sites. This review combines the experience of our centers and a thorough analysis of the literature from the last 45 years (1972-2017) in order to highlight the localizations beyond the rotator cuff, their ultrasound characteristics and therapeutic possibilities.

Keywords: Calcific tendinopathy; Tendon; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis / complications
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Calcinosis / therapy*
  • Conservative Treatment / methods
  • Humans
  • Tendinopathy / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tendinopathy / etiology
  • Tendinopathy / therapy*
  • Ultrasonography / methods*