What Is Arthroscopic Excision of Calcific Deposits?
Calcific tendonitis, also called calcific tendinopathy, occurs when calcium deposits develop within the rotator cuff tendons. These calcium deposits in the shoulder can irritate the surrounding tissues and cause significant pain, stiffness and difficulty lifting or reaching with the arm.
The subacromial area lies between the acromion, the outer part of the shoulder blade, and the humeral head, the upper part of the arm bone. The coracoacromial ligament completes this arch. A fluid-filled cushion called the bursa sits between these structures. Calcium deposits can inflame the bursa, causing pain during movements such as reaching overhead or putting an arm into a jacket sleeve.
Arthroscopic calcific deposit removal may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-operative care. It is often combined with subacromial decompression in Edinburgh where this is clinically appropriate.
What Does the Calcific Tendonitis Surgery Operation Involve?
Shoulder calcium deposit removal in Edinburgh is performed using shoulder arthroscopy, often referred to as keyhole surgery. The procedure is normally carried out under a general anaesthetic through two or three small puncture wounds, usually around 5mm in size.
During the operation, I use a small camera to inspect the shoulder joint and subacromial space. I identify the calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendon and remove these carefully. Inflamed bursal tissue may also be cleared.
Where required, I perform subacromial decompression in Edinburgh by releasing the coracoacromial ligament and carefully reshaping part of the acromion. This increases the available space above the rotator cuff, reducing pressure on the tendon and bursa as they heal.
General Advice Following Surgery
Hospital Stay
Most patients undergoing arthroscopic calcific tendonitis surgery in Edinburgh are treated as a day case or stay in hospital overnight. Before discharge, a doctor or physiotherapist will review you and discuss your immediate recovery plan.
Sling and Early Movement
You will be given a sling for comfort. It is not normally intended to immobilise the arm for a prolonged period, and you may remove it as comfort allows. I encourage early, gentle use of the arm within the guidance provided by your physiotherapist.
Exercises and Rehabilitation
You will be taught exercises to begin after your operation. These are important for restoring movement and reducing the risk of stiffness. Fife Shoulder Surgery also provides practical guidance on rehabilitation and returning to normal activities.
Work and Recovery Times
Many patients return to work between one and four weeks after surgery, depending on the physical demands of their role. Symptoms are often around 80% improved by three months, although complete settling can take up to a year. Recovery following subacromial decompression in Edinburgh varies between individuals.
Risks and Possible Complications
All surgery carries some risk, although serious complications following arthroscopic shoulder procedures are uncommon. Before proceeding with private calcific tendonitis surgery in Edinburgh, I will discuss the benefits, alternatives and relevant risks in relation to your individual condition and general health.
Anaesthetic Complications
There can be complications associated with a general anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will discuss these with you before surgery.
Infection
Infection is uncommon but may affect the wounds or deeper tissues around the shoulder. It may require antibiotics or, rarely, further treatment.
Ongoing Pain or Stiffness
Some people experience prolonged stiffness or pain after surgery. Physiotherapy and regular exercises are important following subacromial decompression in Edinburgh.
Further Surgery
Occasionally, symptoms may persist or further treatment may be required. The need to repeat surgery is rare but possible.
Shoulder Surgery Serving Edinburgh and Fife
NHS Consultations
Queen Margaret Hospital
Whitefield Road,
Dunfermline,
KY12 0SU
Victoria Hospital
Hayfield Road,
Kirkcaldy,
KY2 5AH
Private Consultations
Spire Shawfair Park Hospital
10 Easter Shawfair,
Edinburgh,
EH22 1FE
Spire Murrayfield Hospital
122 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh,
EH12 6UD
Questions about arthroscopic subacromial decompression
When should I see a shoulder specialist for ongoing shoulder pain?
Consider seeing a shoulder specialist if pain lasts several weeks, affects sleep, work, sport or daily activities, or is associated with weakness, stiffness, instability or reduced movement. A consultant shoulder surgeon can assess the cause and discuss appropriate non-surgical or surgical treatment.
What shoulder problems may require surgery rather than physiotherapy?
Surgery may be considered for conditions such as significant rotator cuff tears, recurrent shoulder dislocations, persistent AC joint pain, severe arthritis, some fractures and symptoms that have not improved with physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or injections. The right option depends on your diagnosis and goals.
How do I know if my shoulder pain is caused by a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear can cause pain when lifting the arm, weakness, night pain and difficulty with overhead activity. A clinical assessment, radiographs and, where appropriate, ultrasound or further imaging can help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
What are the treatment options for a frozen shoulder that is not improving?
Frozen shoulder is often managed initially with pain relief, injections, physiotherapy and time. If severe stiffness and restricted movement persist, treatment may include manipulation under anaesthetic or arthroscopic arthrolysis to release the tight shoulder capsule.
How long does it take to recover from shoulder surgery?
Recovery varies according to the procedure, the condition treated and individual healing. Keyhole procedures may allow earlier movement, while rotator cuff repair, stabilisation and shoulder replacement require a structured rehabilitation programme over several months. Your expected recovery plan will be discussed before surgery.
Can shoulder surgery help if physiotherapy and injections have not worked?
In selected cases, surgery can help when suitable non-operative treatment has not relieved symptoms. Arthroscopic procedures, tendon repair, joint replacement or fracture fixation may be considered depending on the cause of pain, imaging findings, function and overall health.
What happens during a consultation with a shoulder surgeon?
Your consultation will include a discussion of your symptoms, injury history, activity levels and treatment goals, followed by a clinical examination. Where appropriate, a one-stop shoulder clinic assessment may include radiographs and ultrasound to help clarify the diagnosis and treatment options.
How can I find a specialist shoulder surgeon for shoulder pain in Fife?
Mr Sunil Sharma provides specialist shoulder and elbow consultations for patients from Fife, Edinburgh and surrounding areas. NHS consultations are available at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, with private appointments in Edinburgh.
What is the difference between shoulder replacement and keyhole shoulder surgery?
Keyhole shoulder surgery, or arthroscopy, uses small incisions to treat problems such as rotator cuff tears, instability, calcific deposits or AC joint arthritis. Shoulder replacement replaces damaged joint surfaces and is usually considered for severe arthritis, major joint damage or certain complex fractures.
How soon can I return to work, driving and sport after shoulder surgery?
Return times depend on the operation, which arm is affected, your occupation and recovery progress. Driving is only advised when you can safely control the vehicle and are no longer limited by a sling or pain. Work and sport should be resumed gradually following your surgeon and physiotherapy advice.
Discuss Your Shoulder Symptoms
If shoulder pain, restricted movement or suspected calcific tendonitis is affecting your daily life, I can assess your symptoms and explain the appropriate treatment options. Fife Shoulder Surgery offers clear, individual advice on non-operative care and arthroscopic calcific tendonitis surgery in Edinburgh.
To discuss whether subacromial decompression in Edinburgh or shoulder calcium deposit removal may be appropriate, please contact my team on 01313 162530 or email sunil.sharma2@nhs.scot. I will ensure you understand your diagnosis, expected recovery and options for shoulder surgery in Edinburgh.
