Preoperative ultrasonographic-guided marking of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff facilitates localization during arthroscopic surgery.

A new technique using a marking needle (Accura; Medical Device Technologies, Gainesville, FL) placed under ultrasonographic guidance preoperatively in a calcific deposit in the rotator cuff of the shoulder is described. When standard subacromial bursoscopy is performed, the needle is visualized in the bursa and followed to its position in the deposit. The deposit is opened and removed.