‘Ultrasound-guided non-surgical therapy’ significantly reduces pain from ‘calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff’ and restores mobility. Radiologists have started applying this new minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of tendonitis in the shoulder.

These are the findings of a recent research study conducted at the University of Genova in Italy. Results of this study were presented recently at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

“This is a quick, successful and inexpensive therapy for tendon calcifications. It provides significant and long-lasting reduction of symptoms“, said Dr.Luca M. Sconfienza from the Department of Radiology at A.O. Ospedale Santa Corona in Pietra Ligure.

Ultrasound-guided

‘Calcific tendonitis’ is a condition that causes the formation of small calcium deposits within the tendons of the rotator cuff in the shoulder. It is most common in adults 30 to 40 years old.

In most cases, the deposits become painful and can restrict mobility of the shoulder. In minor cases, physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient to address the problem until the calcifications break apart spontaneously. In severe cases, patients may require shockwave treatment or open surgery to remove the calcium.

‘Ultrasound-guided through the skin therapy’ is an effective and inexpensive alternative to the surgery. It is far less stressful for the patients at the same time. It takes just ten minutes to complete the procedure. The shoulder is anesthetized and a Radiologist injects a saline solution in to the rotator cuff with the help of ultrasound guidance and washes the affected area for breaking up the calcium deposition. He then inserts a second needle to aspirate or to withdraw the calcium residue. Patients recover within a time of one hour only. Biggest advantage of this procedure is that the calcification once completely treated and removed will never return.

“Calcifications can break up on their own. Unfortunately, this can take from a few months to several years. This means the pain could persist for years before its spontaneous resolution”, said Dr. Luca M. Sconfienza.

In addition, when untreated calcifications break up, the calcium is not extracted but spreads along the tendon and lodges in the subacromial bursa, a fluid sac that helps lubricate the tendon. Calcium buildup in the tendon and bursa can cause bursitis, a painful condition with a long recovery time and a high grade of disability.

Dr. Luca M. Sconfienza expressed his hope with the results of the study, “As people age, many complain of pain in the shoulders. This pain is commonly caused by calcium build-up. This procedure can allow them to feel better immediately with little cost“.

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHype.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed