Panagiotis Pantos, Vasileios Kosmas, Iason Papaskarlatos, Georgios Mazis
Subacromial bursal calcific deposition is an uncommon manifestation of calcific tendinopathy. Arthroscopic management is both diagnostic and therapeutic, with excellent clinical outcomes.
INTRODUCTION: Calcific tendinopathy is a common disorder of the shoulder characterized by the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals within the rotator cuff tendons. It is part of the spectrum of basic calcium phosphate crystal deposition disease. However, isolated deposition within the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa is rare and may present diagnostic challenges.
CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old female presented with persistent right shoulder pain and limited range of motion. Imaging revealed calcific deposits within the subacromial region. After failure of conservative management, arthroscopic removal was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed dystrophic calcification without malignancy. At 6-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated complete symptom resolution.
CONCLUSION: Subacromial bursal calcific deposition is an uncommon manifestation of calcific tendinopathy. Arthroscopic management is both diagnostic and therapeutic, with excellent clinical outcomes.