When Is Shoulder Arthroscopy Recommended for Calcific Tendinitis?

Calcific tendinitis involves calcium deposits within a shoulder tendon. It may cause severe pain, difficulty raising the arm, or stiffness that interferes with sleep and daily tasks. Arthroscopy uses small instruments and a camera to inspect the joint and tendon area; the surgeon may remove deposits and address related findings when appropriate. Imaging and examination help confirm that the deposit explains the symptoms and that surgery is a reasonable option.

Discuss the diagnosis, imaging, and non-surgical options with an orthopaedic specialist. These may include activity modification, pain management, physiotherapy, or a procedure aimed at the deposit, depending on your findings. Ask about anaesthesia, possible tendon repair, sling use, driving, work, and the rehabilitation timeline. Arrange help for early daily tasks if your arm will be restricted. Read Calcific Tendinitis and Shoulder Arthroscopy for background.

Obtain prompt medical care for fever with a hot swollen shoulder, sudden major weakness after an injury, a new deformity, severe pain with chest symptoms, or an arm that becomes numb, pale, or cold. These features need assessment rather than a routine surgical discussion.

Does imaging show that the deposit matches my symptoms? What options remain before arthroscopy? Could the tendon need repair, and what movement restrictions and rehabilitation milestones should I expect afterward?