Comparative Effectiveness of Nonoperative Treatments for Chronic Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of various nonoperative treatments for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials was performed to evaluate changes in pain reduction, functional improvements in patients with calcific tendinitis, and the ratio of complete resolution of calcific deposition. Data Sources Studies were comprehensively searched, without language restrictions, on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane, and other databases. The reference lists of articles and reviews were cross-checked for possible studies. Study Selection Randomized controlled trials from before August 2016 were included. Study selection was conducted by 2 reviewers independently. Data Extraction The quality of studies was assessed and data extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Disagreements were settled by consulting a third reviewer to reach a consensus. Data Synthesis Fourteen studies with 1105 participants were included in the network meta-analysis that used a random-effect model to investigate the mean difference of pooled effect sizes of the visual analog scale, Constant-Murley score, and the ratio of complete resolution of calcific deposition on native radiographs. Conclusions The present network meta-analysis demonstrates that ultrasound-guided needling (UGN), radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (RSW), and high-energy focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (H-FSW) alleviate pain and achieve complete resolution of calcium deposition. Compared with low-energy focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and ultrasound therapy, H-FSW is the best therapy for providing functional recovery. Physicians should consider UGN, RSW, and H-FSW as alternative effective therapies for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder when initial conservative treatment fails.