ICD-10: M65.22

Calcific tendinitis of the upper arm, classified under ICD-10 code M65.22, is a specific condition characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the tendons of the shoulder region, particularly affecting the rotator cuff tendons. This condition can lead to significant pain and functional impairment, often requiring medical intervention.

Clinical Description

Definition

Calcific tendinitis occurs when calcium deposits form in the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain. In the upper arm, this typically involves the supraspinatus tendon, which is part of the rotator cuff. The condition is often associated with repetitive shoulder movements or may occur without any apparent cause.

Symptoms

Patients with calcific tendinitis of the upper arm may experience:
- Severe shoulder pain: This pain can be acute and may worsen with movement.
- Limited range of motion: Patients often find it difficult to lift their arm or perform overhead activities.
- Swelling and tenderness: The affected area may be swollen and sensitive to touch.
- Night pain: Discomfort may intensify at night, disrupting sleep.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:
- Clinical examination: A healthcare provider will assess the shoulder's range of motion and tenderness.
- Imaging studies: X-rays are commonly used to visualize calcium deposits in the tendons. Ultrasound or MRI may also be employed for a more detailed assessment of the soft tissues.

Treatment Options

Conservative Management

Initial treatment often includes:
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate pain.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve shoulder mobility and strength.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Interventional Procedures

If conservative measures fail, more invasive options may be considered:
- Corticosteroid injections: These can provide temporary relief from inflammation.
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: This non-invasive treatment can help break down calcium deposits.
- Surgical intervention: In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to remove the calcium deposits.

Prognosis

The prognosis for calcific tendinitis of the upper arm is generally favorable, with many patients experiencing significant improvement with appropriate treatment. However, some may continue to have residual pain or functional limitations.

Conclusion

ICD-10 code M65.22 encapsulates the clinical aspects of calcific tendinitis in the upper arm, highlighting its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. Understanding this condition is crucial for effective management and improving patient outcomes. If you suspect you have this condition, consulting a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan is essential.

Calcific tendinitis of the upper arm, classified under ICD-10 code M65.22, is a condition characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the tendons of the shoulder, particularly affecting the rotator cuff tendons. This condition can lead to significant pain and functional impairment. Below is a detailed overview of the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this condition.

Clinical Presentation

Overview

Calcific tendinitis typically presents as acute or chronic shoulder pain, often exacerbated by movement. The condition is most commonly seen in individuals aged 30 to 60 years, with a higher prevalence in women than men. It can occur unilaterally or bilaterally, although unilateral cases are more common.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Pain:
   - Patients often report a sudden onset of severe shoulder pain, which may radiate down the arm or up into the neck.
   - Pain is typically localized to the anterior or lateral aspect of the shoulder and may worsen with overhead activities or lifting.

2. Limited Range of Motion:
   - Patients may experience a significant reduction in the range of motion, particularly in abduction and external rotation of the shoulder.
   - Passive movements may also elicit pain, indicating involvement of the rotator cuff.

3. Swelling and Tenderness:
   - There may be localized swelling over the affected area, and tenderness can be elicited upon palpation of the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.

4. Crepitus:
   - Some patients may report a sensation of crepitus (a crackling or popping sound) during shoulder movement, which can be indicative of tendon involvement.

5. Muscle Weakness:
   - Weakness in the shoulder muscles may be observed, particularly in the rotator cuff muscles, due to pain and disuse.

Patient Characteristics

• Age: Most commonly affects individuals between 30 and 60 years of age.
• Gender: More prevalent in females, although males can also be affected.
• Activity Level: Often seen in individuals who engage in repetitive overhead activities, such as athletes or manual laborers.
• Medical History: Patients may have a history of shoulder injuries or other musculoskeletal disorders, which can predispose them to calcific tendinitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. X-rays may reveal calcific deposits within the tendons, while ultrasound or MRI can provide additional information regarding the extent of tendon involvement and any associated inflammation.

Conclusion

Calcific tendinitis of the upper arm (ICD-10 code M65.22) is a painful condition that significantly impacts shoulder function. Understanding the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management. Treatment options may include conservative measures such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to remove the calcific deposits if conservative management fails. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can help alleviate symptoms and restore shoulder function.

Calcific tendinitis of the upper arm, represented by the ICD-10 code M65.22, is a specific condition characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the tendons of the shoulder region. This condition can lead to pain and restricted movement. Below are alternative names and related terms associated with this diagnosis.

Alternative Names for Calcific Tendinitis

1. Calcific Tendonitis: This is a common alternative spelling that emphasizes the inflammatory aspect of the condition.
2. Calcific Tendinopathy: This term is often used interchangeably with calcific tendinitis, focusing on the degenerative changes in the tendon.
3. Shoulder Calcific Tendinitis: This specifies the location of the condition, indicating that it affects the shoulder area.
4. Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: While not synonymous, calcific tendinitis can contribute to this syndrome, where the rotator cuff tendons are compressed during shoulder movements.
5. Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis: This term highlights the involvement of the rotator cuff tendons, which are commonly affected by calcific deposits.

Related Terms

1. Tendinitis: A general term for inflammation of a tendon, which can occur in various locations in the body.
2. Tendinopathy: A broader term that encompasses both tendinitis and tendinosis, referring to any tendon disorder.
3. Shoulder Pain: A symptom often associated with calcific tendinitis, as the condition typically causes discomfort in the shoulder region.
4. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, which can occur alongside calcific tendinitis, particularly in the shoulder.
5. Impingement Syndrome: A condition that can be exacerbated by calcific tendinitis, leading to pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

Conclusion

Understanding the alternative names and related terms for ICD-10 code M65.22 can enhance communication among healthcare professionals and improve patient education. Recognizing these terms can also aid in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder-related conditions, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care for their symptoms. If you have further questions or need more specific information, feel free to ask!

Calcific tendinitis, particularly in the upper arm, is classified under the ICD-10-CM code M65.22. This condition is characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain. The diagnosis of calcific tendinitis involves several criteria, which can be categorized into clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and exclusion of other conditions.

Clinical Evaluation

1. Patient History:
   - Patients typically report a history of shoulder pain, which may be acute or chronic. The pain is often exacerbated by movement and may be accompanied by stiffness in the shoulder joint.
   - A history of repetitive overhead activities or trauma to the shoulder can be relevant.

2. Physical Examination:
   - Tenderness over the affected tendon, particularly the rotator cuff tendons, is a key finding.
   - Range of motion may be limited, and specific tests (e.g., Neer test, Hawkins-Kennedy test) may reproduce pain, indicating impingement or inflammation.

Imaging Studies

1. X-rays:
   - Radiographic imaging is crucial for diagnosing calcific tendinitis. X-rays typically reveal calcific deposits within the tendon, often located in the supraspinatus tendon of the rotator cuff.
   - The presence of these calcifications, along with the clinical symptoms, supports the diagnosis.

2. Ultrasound or MRI:
   - In some cases, ultrasound or MRI may be utilized to assess the extent of the calcification and to evaluate for associated conditions such as tears or bursitis.
   - These imaging modalities can provide additional information about the soft tissue structures around the shoulder.

Exclusion of Other Conditions

1. Differential Diagnosis:
   - It is essential to rule out other causes of shoulder pain, such as rotator cuff tears, bursitis, or arthritis. This may involve a thorough clinical assessment and imaging studies.
   - Conditions like adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) or referred pain from cervical spine issues should also be considered.

2. Laboratory Tests:
   - While not routinely necessary, laboratory tests may be performed to exclude systemic conditions that could contribute to tendon inflammation, such as metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of calcific tendinitis (ICD-10 code M65.22) in the upper arm is based on a combination of clinical history, physical examination findings, and imaging studies that confirm the presence of calcifications in the tendon. Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment, which may include conservative measures such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or, in some cases, surgical intervention if conservative treatment fails.

Calcific tendinitis of the upper arm, classified under ICD-10 code M65.22, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of calcium deposits in the tendons of the shoulder, particularly affecting the rotator cuff. This condition can lead to pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. Here’s a detailed overview of standard treatment approaches for this condition.

Understanding Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis typically occurs when calcium deposits form in the rotator cuff tendons, often leading to acute pain and inflammation. The exact cause of these deposits is not fully understood, but they are more common in individuals aged 30 to 60 and can be associated with repetitive shoulder activities or injuries.

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Conservative Management

Most cases of calcific tendinitis can be effectively managed with conservative treatment options, which include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Patients are advised to avoid activities that exacerbate shoulder pain. Resting the affected arm can help reduce inflammation and allow healing.

• Physical Therapy: A structured physical therapy program can help improve shoulder mobility and strength. Therapists may use modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain and promote healing.

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with calcific tendinitis.

2. Injections

• Corticosteroid Injections: In cases where pain is severe and does not respond to NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the shoulder joint. This can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation.

• Hydrodilatation: This technique involves injecting a saline solution into the shoulder joint to help break up calcium deposits and improve mobility.

3. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to promote healing in the affected tendon. Studies have shown that ESWT can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with calcific tendinitis[5].

4. Surgical Intervention

If conservative treatments fail to provide relief after several months, surgical options may be considered:

• Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure involves the removal of calcium deposits from the tendon. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and allows for quicker recovery compared to open surgery.

• Open Surgery: In more severe cases, an open surgical approach may be necessary to access and remove the deposits, although this is less common.

5. Post-Treatment Rehabilitation

After any surgical intervention, a rehabilitation program is crucial to restore shoulder function. This may include:

• Gradual Return to Activity: Patients are guided on how to safely return to their normal activities without risking re-injury.

• Continued Physical Therapy: Ongoing therapy can help strengthen the shoulder and improve range of motion.

Conclusion

Calcific tendinitis of the upper arm can be effectively managed through a combination of conservative treatments, injections, and, if necessary, surgical options. Early intervention and adherence to a rehabilitation program are key to achieving optimal outcomes. Patients experiencing symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and conditions.