Patients with calcific tendinitis and large calcium lumps can be treated with an arthroscopic excision of the calcium deposit. This may also be performed in conjunction with an acromioplasty.
The region of tendon with the calcium inside it can usually be identified by the visualisation of an inflamed area of tendon.  The location can be confirmed by probing the tendon with a needle until calcium is seen in the tip of the needle.  Once the calcium is located a small longitudinal incision is made in the tendon in line with its fibres and the calcium removed with an arthroscopic shaver and curette.
Recovery following an excision of calcium is straightforward. Physiotherapy will commence immediately after surgery and the postoperative review normally occur 6 weeks post operatively.  A 2 week review may be scheduled to check that everything is progressing well straight after surgery. Most people take about 6 weeks to recover following the surgery although symptoms may persist until 12 weeks postoperative.