Barbotage for Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
This systematic review of Level IV studies, examined ultrasound guided barbotage (repeated injection and aspiration) as an outpatient procedure for calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff in patients who have been unresponsive to conservative treatment.
Patients receiving this treatment are first administered a local anaesthetic, the needle is then guided into the calcific portion of the tendon under direct vision. The calcification is attempted to be aspirated and punctured several times to encourage healing. Finally the tendon is bathed in more anesthetic.
Thirteen articles with a total of 908 patients were analyzed. In all articles reviewed, the authors reported a good clinical outcome, with many achieving marked improvement in clinical scores or overall satisfaction with the treatment.
Ultrasound-guided barbotage is a safe technique with high success rate (approx. 76%) and low complication rates. The research is still lacking comparing ultrasound-guided barbotage, extracorporeal shockwave therapy and arthroscopic calcific deposit excision, more randomized control trials would be of great value.
Please note: this systematic review is in the process of peer review for publication.
Reference: Gatt, D. M.D, Charalambos P. Charalambous BSc M.B Ch.B. Ultrasound-Guided Barbotage for Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review Including 908 Patients. Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Published Online: May 09, 2014