acute calcific tendinitis (shoulder)
Last reviewed 01/2018
This typically occurs in patients 25-55 years of age. The deposition of calcium hydroxyapetite crystals, usually medial to the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon, may be associated with acute, severe inflammation and shoulder pain. Similar lesions may occur around ligaments and tendons of the ankle, knee, hip and elbow.
The pain increases in severity over hours, subsiding after a few days. In some patients, however, recovery may be slower. The joint is usually too tender during the acute phase to allow examination.