Acupuncture and small needle scalpel therapy in the treatment of calcifying tendonitis of the gluteus medius: a case report.

The case is presented of a 68-year-old man with calcifying tendonitis involving the lateral part of the gluteus medius. The presenting symptoms were chronic pain in the posterolateral region of the right hip and limitation of movement of the right hip. The patient was treated with acupuncture and small needle scalpel therapy. Three months after the procedure the patient was completely pain-free and had full range of motion. Radiographic evaluation revealed complete disappearance of the calcific deposits with no recurrence after 6 months. The use of combined acupuncture and small needle scalpel therapy to treat calcifying tendonitis of the gluteus medius may lead to a good clinical outcome without surgery.