JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2025 Jun 3;5(4):673-679. doi: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2025.05.013. eCollection 2025 Nov.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Subscapularis calcification is a rare condition that can lead to significant shoulder disability. Reports on the surgical treatment for calcifying tendinitis of the subscapularis tendon are limited. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic removal in patients with subscapularis calcification with minimum 2-year follow-up.
METHODS: This case series study included six patients with subscapularis calcification who underwent surgical arthroscopic intervention from January 2017 to January 2022. The study population comprised five females and 1 male with an average age of 52 years (range 34-65 years). Preoperative and postoperative assessments included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, Constant-Murley score, range of motion, and Visual Analog Scale pain score. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Statistical analysis using paired t-tests was performed to evaluate changes in clinical outcomes, with significance set at P < .05.
RESULTS: Five patients reported complete resolution of pain and symptoms, while 1 patient experienced mild pain during heavy-duty activities but complete relief during daily activities. Visual Analog Scale scores improved from a mean of 9 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.81) preoperatively to 0.5 (SD = 0.76) at 2 years postoperatively. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 50.83 (SD = 4.45) to 5.8 (SD = 1.03) (P < .01), and the Constant-Murley score increased from 41 (SD = 2.16) to 88.6 (SD = 3.39) (P < .01). Range of motion improved with normal abduction and external rotation achieved in all patients. Radiographs at the 2-year follow-up showed resolution of the calcifications with no recurrences.
CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of subscapularis calcification significantly alleviates pain and improves shoulder function, confirming the efficacy of this intervention in reducing disability associated with this condition.
PMID:41179416 | PMC:PMC12573598 | DOI:10.1016/j.xrrt.2025.05.013