[Initial experiences with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treatment of tendinosis calcarea of the shoulder].

In a prospective investigation the use of high energetic shock waves for treatment of chronical painful calcareous tendinitis of the shoulder was examined in a pilot group of 5 patients. The deposits were localized by sonography. Immediately after treatment 1 patient felt complete release of pain, the calcium deposit had disappeared on the x-ray control one day after treatment. In 3 cases pain release and elimination of the calcification appeared during 6 weeks after treatment. One patient showed only radiological disintegration of the calcification with no release of pain.