International Journal of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging
Login    Signup

2025, Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided barbotage in reducing shoulder pain and improving function in supraspinatus calcific tendinitis
Author(s)
Waleed Hussein Elsharkawy
Abstract
Background: Supraspinatus calcific tendinitis is a common and often painful condition characterized by the deposition of calcium within the supraspinatus tendons. This study aimed to determine whether supraspinatus calcific tendonitis might be successfully treated using ultrasound (US)-guided barbotage.
Methods: This single-arm interventional study included 40 patients aged ≥ 18, both sexes, diagnosed with supraspinatus calcific tendinitis through clinical and radiological evaluation. A diagnostic US was delivered to each patient, and they were also asked to self-evaluate their level of pain and disability in the affected area. At the first, third-, and sixth months post-treatment, they reevaluated the changes in pain and disability scores.
Results: The pain score and disability score were significantly lower (1, 3, and 6 months) after treatment than before treatment (p<0.001). Range of motion of shoulder abduction was significantly higher at (1, 3, and 6 months) after treatment than before treatment (p<0.001). US examination showed that 25 (62.5%) patients had total disappearance of tendinopathy without calcification, 8 (20%) patients had partial regain of a fibrillar pattern of the normal tendon with few calcifications, and 7 (17.5%) did not have changes in tendinopathy with scattered calcification. Regarding clinical success rate, symptoms disappeared in 33 (82.5%) patients and 7 (17.5%) patients with marked improvement in symptoms. Technical success occurred in 26 (65%) patients.
Conclusion: Barbotage is a less invasive and very effective way to treat calcific tendinosis, particularly in cases when other conservative techniques have failed to alleviate the pain.
Pages: 14-19 | Views: 59 | Downloads: 32


International Journal of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging
How to cite this article:
Waleed Hussein Elsharkawy. Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided barbotage in reducing shoulder pain and improving function in supraspinatus calcific tendinitis. Int J Radiol Diagn Imaging 2025;8(1):14-19. DOI: 10.33545/26644436.2025.v8.i1a.430
Related Journal Subscription
International Journal of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

International Journal of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

International Journal of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging
Call for book chapter