[Postoperative results after arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff calcifying tendonitis, with or without associated glenohumeral exploration].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendonitis usually includes a glenohumeral exploration first, followed by deposit removal via a bursal approach. The aim of this study was to analyze the relevance of a systematic glenohumeral exploration during arthroscopic treatment of calcified tendonitis of the rotator cuff.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four consecutive patients treated by arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits in the rotator cuff were studied retrospectively. All patients had had at least six months of medical treatment. The treatment involved a glenohumeral approach in 32 patients (group GH) and an isolated bursal approach in 32 (group B). Both groups were similar with regard to epidemiological data and deposit aspect. In all cases, the deposit was removed from the bursal side and the cuff was not sutured. Assessment included duration of pain after surgery, Constant score, and x-ray aspect at six months follow-up and the delay for return to work.

RESULTS: In the GH group, degenerative changes were noted on the labrum in three cases and a partial tear of the supraspinatus in two. No lesions noted in the glenohumeral joint required specific treatment. Postoperatively, the average duration of pain was significantly higher in group GH than in group B (11 weeks versus 6 weeks, p < 0.05) with a significant latency in return-to-work (12 weeks versus 5 weeks, p < 0.05). At six months follow-up, there was no difference between the groups for Constant score and deposit disappearance.

DISCUSSION: Systematic exploration of the glenohumeral joint is not relevant in the arthroscopic treatment of calcified tendonitis and has a negative effect. Considering these results and those previously published in the literature, we recommend using an isolated bursal approach for arthroscopic calcifying tendonitis removal.