Extracorporal shockwave therapy in calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder - a critical stock-taking after one year

In a prospective study, 50 patients suffering from calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder were observed during one year after receiving an extracorporal shockware therapy (ESWT) with 3000 impulses of 0.28 mJ/mm(2). The follow-up was 12 weeks and 12 months. After 12 weeks the average Constant-score increased from initial 60 to 75 points, the average pain relief was 47% and 52% of the patients were satisfied with the result of the shockwave therapy. After one year the figures were 76 points, 46% and 54%. 18 patients were classified as treatment failure and were operated a mean of 5.2 months after the ESWT. In these patients the calcium deposit had been larger and more dense in the X-ray.