A new, large-scale scientific study from August 2016 found that ultrasound-guided needle lavage combined with a cortisone injection is the "treatment of choice" for the conservative treatment of calcific tendonitis. No other treatment has had such good results as ultrasound-guided needle lavage.
In a comprehensive meta-analysis, 920 scientific studies on calcific tendon therapy were reviewed. The most stringent scientific criteria were applied in the selection of included studies. As a result, only seven studies ultimately met the researchers' high quality criteria.
The aim of the study was to find out which conservative therapy, i.e. non-surgical therapy, is the best for treating calcific tendonitis while at the same time entailing low risk.
The following therapies were available in the selected studies:
- Shock wave therapy
- Neddeling
- Ultrasound-assisted needle lavage
- Injection with cortisone
In addition, the combination of the individual therapies was examined.
Criteria for treatment success were:
- Improved shoulder function
- Reduced pain
- Reduction or removal of the calcification
The results of the study are not only clear but also very impressive.
The best therapy for treating calcific shoulder is ultrasound-guided needle lavage followed by cortisone injection!
This corresponds to the therapy we have been using routinely to treat calcific shoulder since 2008. Over the past eight years, we have successfully treated more than 3,000 patients.
The new study confirms the success of this therapy, while simultaneously minimizing risk. Why ultrasound-guided needle lavage therapy has not yet gained widespread acceptance in Germany is a mystery to me.
(Source: US National Library of Medicine - PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27554465)