Clinical History
56 year old man with acute onset atraumatic severe left wrist pain.
Diagnosis: Calcific Tendinitis of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon
Calcific tendinitis is a common pathology resulting from calcium hydroxyapatite deposition within tendons inciting painful inflammation.
Calcium hydroxyapatite most often deposits in tendons of the shoulder, but can also occur in other tendons, as well as in ligaments, joint capsules, or bursae.
Radiographs are often the first imaging modality acquired and are sensitive for the detection of these calcific deposits.
However, ultrasound is particularly useful to guide barbotage, in which the calcific deposit is lavaged and broken up, as well as for concurrent steroid injection.