Intra-osseous calcifying tendinitis of the infraspinatus tendon with erosion into the greater tuberosity

Abstract

Calcific tendinitis is a condition characterised by the abnormal deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals within the tendons of the rotator cuff. The characteristic appearance is that of acute or chronic shoulder pain combined with radiographic evidence of calcifications within the rotator cuff tendons. It is a specific disease entity which needs to be differentiated from other causes of rotator cuff calcium deposition. We present a case of calcific tendinitis with secondary erosion at the humeral insertion of the infraspinatus tendon. Conventional radiography proved unsuccessful in the initial diagnosis of the condition. Advanced modalities including both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved to be both diagnostic and pivotal in the further management of the patient.