Presentation
3 months of shoulder pain. Fall 12 months prior. ? cuff tear.
Patient Data
Large deposit of mildly echogenic material within the supraspinatus tendon without prominent shadowing.
Calcific material corresponding to the deposit seen within the supraspinatus tendon on ultrasound.
Two 19G needles were placed within the calcific deposit; one transverse to the tendon and the other longitudinal to the tendon. Local anesthetic was then injected via one needle whilst the other needle was used aspirate. An example of the aspirated fluid containing calcium is shown in the tray. Local anesthetic and cortisone were also injected into the subacromial bursa.
Post barbotage x-ray revealed significant reduction in volume of the calcium deposit.
Case Discussion
An example of supraspinatus calcific tendinitis treated with ultrasound guided barbotage.