Rotator Cuff Calcifications

Rotator cuff calcification (RCC) is a condition characterized by the presence of calcific deposits in the rotator cuff or in the subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursa. It has been reported to be present in between 2.5% and 7.5% of healthy and asymptomatic shoulders. The most affected tendon is the supraspinatus (80%), followed by the infraspinatus tendon in its lower side with 15%. According to its etiopathogenesis, RCC can be divided into three phases: Formative, Silent, and Resorptive. The clinical presentation can mimic a subacromial impingement. Conventional radiography (CR) is usually the first imaging modality used to determine the presence of calcium deposits around the humeral head, and, in addition, to classify the stage according to the Gartner and Heyer Classification. Nonsurgical treatment is still the mainstay of treatment since the resorption of the deposits occurs spontaneously in most cases, and most patients respond positively to conservative measures. However, if symptoms prevail, other therapeutic options like US-PICT, ESWT or surgical treatment should be analyzed.