In some patients a deposit of calcium can form in the tendons of the body, most commonly in the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder and the knee and elbow tendons. One treatment modality that can be used to eliminate the calcium deposit and avoid surgery is ultrasound guided barbotage. It is done as an outpatient procedure using ultrasound guidance.
There is no preparation required for this procedure. The procedure takes 30 minutes and will be performed at our office.
After an initial ultrasound examination, the barbotage is usually performed when you are lying on your side. With a thin needle the whole injection area is first numbed. The calcific deposit is then approached with one or two needles and multiple punctures are performed.
There are no specific restrictions after the procedure and once the discomfort from the procedure eases, usually 2-5 days, you could commence shoulder exercises.