Treatment Protocol for Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis Using a Single-Crystal Piezoelectric Focused Shock Wave Source

J Vis Exp. 2022 Dec 23:(190). doi: 10.3791/64426.

Abstract

Focused shock waves have emerged as a highly effective noninvasive therapeutic option for the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. There are three types of focused shock wave generators: electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric. According to our literature search, there are no reports of results with the use of single-crystal piezoelectric generators in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. In a consecutive retrospective series of 23 patients with Gärtner type I and II calcifications of the rotator cuff, we performed three applications of high-energy piezoelectric focused waves (4,000 pulses per session with a frequency of 6 Hz). At the final follow-up (average of 14 months), 82.6% of the cases showed complete resorption of the calcification in radiographic controls. In 8.7% of the cases, partial disappearance of the calcification was achieved, and in the remaining 8.7% there were no significant changes. Single-crystal piezoelectric generators have a success rate comparable to those already reported with electrohydraulic and electromagnetic devices.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis* / therapy
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rotator Cuff / diagnostic imaging
  • Rotator Cuff / surgery
  • Shoulder Pain / therapy
  • Tendinopathy* / therapy