2021 Annual Meeting Shoulder Access Pass-Relative Efficacy of Three of Nonsurgical Treatments for Calcific Tendinitis: Physical Therapy vs Steroid Injeciton vs Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration

Relative Efficacy of Three of Nonsurgical Treatments for Calcific Tendinitis: Physical Therapy vs Steroid Injeciton vs Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration

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Video Summary

This study investigated which initial treatments—physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or ultrasound-guided aspiration—best prevent surgery in calcific tendonitis patients and whether pre-surgery treatments affect postoperative outcomes. Analyzing 120 patients retrospectively, about 44% avoided surgery, with no significant difference among non-operative treatments in success rates or improvements in pain and range of motion. Those undergoing surgery also showed significant postoperative improvement, unaffected by prior treatments. Patients trying multiple conservative methods ultimately required surgery. The study concludes that all common conservative treatments have similar efficacy in avoiding surgery, and surgical outcomes are positive regardless of prior treatment, suggesting timely surgery if conservative methods fail.

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Dr. Robin Dunn

Keywords

calcific tendonitis

physical therapy

corticosteroid injections

ultrasound-guided aspiration

surgical outcomes