Predictive factor for failure of conservative management in the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

Objectives: Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a painful condition characterized by the presence of calcium deposits within the tendons of the rotator cuff (RTC) and accounts for up to 7% of all presentations of shoulder pain. Conservative treatment with physical therapy (PT) and corticosteroid injection is often the first line treatment. When conservative management fails, arthroscopic surgery for removal of the calcium may be considered. Surgical removal is often followed by rotator cuff repair to address the resulting tendon defect. This study was performed to assess predictive factors for failure of conservative management as well as to characterize the rate of rotator cuff repair in the setting of calcific tendinitis. We hypothesize that larger calcific lesion would have a higher likelihood to fail conservative treatment and the majority of patients requiring surgery will require a concomitant rotator cuff repair. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed with calcific tendinitis at our institution between 2009 and 2019 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, pain score (VAS), ASES, ROM and patient-reported quality of life measures were recorded and analyzed. All patients underwent a radiograph and MRI. Size of the calcific lesion was measured based on its largest diameter on radiograph. Statistical analysis included chi-square, independent t test and ANOVA. Descriptive statistics were used to report data. p 1 cm was significantly associated