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Coexistence of calcific tendinitis and rotator cuff tear: an arthrographic study

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Abstract

A prospective evaluation of the coexistence of calcific tendinitis and tear of the rotator cuff demonstrated by arthrography was made in patients presenting with shoulder pain. Patients were X-rayed using conventional views and impingement views. Eighty-one patients (mean age 61.2 years) with calcific tendinitis underwent arthrography. Arthrography showed 22 partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff. A small rather than a large amount of calcification was more likely to be associated with a rotator cuff tear (p = 0.005). The coexistence of calcific tendinitis with rotator cuff tear is not uncommon, especially in older age groups.

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Jim, Y.F., Hsu, H.C., Chang, C.Y. et al. Coexistence of calcific tendinitis and rotator cuff tear: an arthrographic study. Skeletal Radiol. 22, 183–185 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206150

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