Arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis without cuff repair

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis performed without repairing the rotator cuff defect. Methods A total of 99 patients who underwent treatment between December 2013 and August 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were reviewed pre- and postoperatively according to the location, size, physical characteristics, and radiological features of the calcific deposits. Additionally, the influence of any residual calcific deposits shown on postoperative radiographs was explored. The healing rate of the unrepaired cuff defect was determined by reviewing the 29 patients who had follow-up MRIs. Results Statistically significant improvement from pre- to postoperation was seen in all VAS and ASES scores for each group, but no statistical differences were seen between the postoperative scores according to the differences in the features of the calcific deposits. When residual calcification was observed postoperatively, the mean ASES and VAS (rest) scores improved significantly to 95.0 (SD 5.6) and 0.0 (SD 0.0), respectively (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001), and did not differ from those who had the complete removal. Of 29 patients who had follow-up MRIs, six (20.7%) showed signs of an interstitial tear. This group’s mean postoperative ASES and VAS (rest) scores improved to excellent levels of 96.0 (SD 3.7) and 0.0 (SD 0.0), respectively, and were similar to those of the 23 patients with normal MRI appearances. Conclusion Arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits without repairing the rotator cuff defect resulted in significant improvement in function and pain level, regardless of the deposit’s location, size, type, and whether or not complete excision was achieved. Despite leaving the defects unrepaired, in the limited number of patients with follow-up MRIs, 23 of 29 patients (79.3%) showed good healing, and the rest, who had persistent signs of interstitial defects on the MRIs, still had excellent outcomes. The removal of calcific deposits without repairing the cuff defects provided excellent outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):663–667.