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Calcific Tendonitis & Needling Side Effects

Calcific tendonitis is tendon inflammation caused by calcium deposits. Needling breaks up the calcium deposits with a hypodermic needle with minimal side effects to patients.

  1. Background

    • In needling, the doctor gives you a local anesthesia, and then inserts one or two needles into a calcium deposit using the guidance of an ultra-sound machine. The needle breaks up the calcium deposits, which get flushed out using a sterile saline solution.

    Side Effects

    • The possible side effects of needling include soreness, bruising or bleeding. Any procedure that punctures the body carries a risk of infection.

    Post Procedure

    • According to The Cape Shoulder Institute, patients have no restrictions after needling and may drive, go to work and resume normal activities immediately.

    Usages

    • Needling becomes an option when more conservative treatments for calcific tendonitis do not work in an effort to avoid surgery.

    Success Rate

    • According to The Cape Shoulder Institute, needling has proved successful in more than 70% of patients.

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