Barbotage for Calcific Tendinitis – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Effective & Precise Treatment for Calcific Tendinitis
Do you suffer from frequent shoulder pain or symptoms of frozen shoulder? Do you struggle with mobility issues and discomfort at other locations throughout your body? There is a chance that you have calcific tendinitis (also called calcific tendonitis). Our Fort Lauderdale non-surgical orthopedics team is ready to assess the problem and recommend a treatment. We might advise you to undergo a procedure known as barbotage, which is possible thanks to precise musculoskeletal ultrasound. Get in touch with us if you would like to learn more about this treatment or book a consultation
What Is Barbotage?
Calcific tendinitis is a medical condition that occurs when calcium collects on tendons. (Tendons are connective tissues between muscles and bones.) If the calcium deposits are relatively small and soft, they might not cause any noticeable symptoms. For some individuals, though, calcific tendinitis can be very painful and cause mobility limitations. This problem is most common in the shoulder joint, but it can also afflict other areas of the body.
There are a number of possible ways to treat calcific tendinitis, ranging from rest to invasive surgical procedures. Our team tends to favor barbotage as the best option. It uses ultrasound technology to locate the calcium deposits, after which we use a needle to break them up.
The Process of Barbotage
To begin the barbotage process, we disinfect and numb the area of the body where we will be working. Next, we use ultrasound to gain a clearer understanding of your condition and find out exactly where the calcium deposits are. Then, we use a needle to break them up. For softer deposits, we might be able to inject a saline solution and suck it out, taking some of the calcium with it in the process. To finish the procedure, we may inject a small dose of a steroid to help control inflammation. From beginning to end, the treatment usually takes around 30 minutes.
The Benefits of Barbotage
Barbotage offers a number of benefits, including:
- It is a very low-risk procedure with few side effects.
- Ultrasound is a precise technology that can allow us to locate even very small calcium deposits. It can also help us diagnose conditions that may be associated with calcific tendinitis.
- Barbotage causes minimal harm to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Barbotage might help you avoid surgery.
Aftercare Instructions for Barbotage
A degree of discomfort and soreness is normal after barbotage. Here are some steps you can take to promote a smooth healing process:
- Do not use NSAIDs. If you need pain medication, you can use acetaminophen.
- Do not lift anything that weighs more than two pounds for at least two weeks.
- Use ice to soothe swelling and pain in the treated area.
- Attend any and all recommended follow-up appointments.
