Calcific tendon lavage (barbotage)
US-guided puncture and aspiration of a tendon calcification (mainly shoulder) for pain relief.
The information below is provided for general educational purposes only. It describes the procedure in general terms and may not apply to your specific situation. Only your interventional radiologist can provide you with personalized information adapted to your case.
What does this intervention involve?
Background
Painful calcific tendinopathy of shoulder (rotator cuff) resistant to medical treatment.
Procedure
Under local anesthesia and US guidance, 1-2 needles are inserted into the calcification. Saline is injected/aspirated to fragment and evacuate calcium. Corticosteroid injection often follows. Duration: 15-30 minutes.
Risks
Increased pain initially (reactive bursitis), infection (rare), tendon rupture (exceptional).
Recovery
Relative shoulder rest 48h. Physiotherapy. Gradual improvement over weeks.
Practical information
Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).
This information does not replace a medical consultation. Each procedure is adapted to the patient's individual situation. Your doctor will explain the specific details, expected benefits and potential risks during your consultation.
Doctors and centers/departments performing this intervention
2 doctors
Dr Vincent DUROUS
Radiologue interventionnelAnnecy, Argonay
Dr Alexandre NéROT
Radiologue interventionnelAnnecy, Argonay, Chambéry