Extracorporeal shockwaves versus ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage for the treatment of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial.

Extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT) and ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage (UGPL) are two effective ways of treating rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT).The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of these techniques in the treatment of RCCT.Prospective, randomized, controlled trial.Patients treated in our sports medicine and rehabilitation center (Centro Médico Deyre, Madrid. Spain) between January 2007 and December 2013.This randomized study compares the results achieved with these techniques over one year following their use to treat the above condition. Eighty patients received ESWT and 121 received UGPL. A visual analogue scale was used to measure pain, and ultrasound to determine the extent of calcification, at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.Pain and the amount of calcification were significantly reduced by both techniques at 3, 6 and 12 months (P<0.001 for each), but significantly more so by UGPL (P<0.001).Both techniques are valid for the treatment of RCCT, although UGPL is associated with a greater reduction of calcification and greater reduction in pain.The results obtained applying UGPL, the low cost and the lack of complications should therefore make the treatment of choice in centers that are appropriately equipped and staffed.