Lake, Smit & Partners | Calcific Barbotage

Barbotage is the aspiration or breakdown of calcium in a tendon under ultrasound guidance that is a minimally invasive and cost-effective way to treat calcific tendinopathy or tendonitis.
Initially an ultrasound is performed to assess if the calcium is amenable to barbotage and to exclude or identify other causes for the pain. A needle is passed into the calcium within the tendon and the calcium is aspirated. Some remaining calcium will be present but this will be absorbed by the bursa (a tissue layer above the tendon) and could induce a bursitis (inflammation of the bursa). The steroid infiltration into the bursa always follows the barbotage to counteract the expected flare up in the bursa.
For more information about our venue or calcific barbotage, visit www.lakesmit.co.za or book an appointment with us by calling - 087 310 4985 (Gateway Private Hospital) / 087 310 4991 (Hillcrest Imaging Centre) or email [e-mail] / [e-mail]
#LakeSmitWay #CalificBarbotage

[@stevelynn4232]

I'm considering barbotage for my shoulder calcium ball. Does barbotage solve the problem for good like surgery would? Does barbotage damage the tendon that requires follow up surgery to repair? If not all the calcium is extracted does the pain continue? thanks

[@lakesmitpartners]

Dear Mr Lynn,
Thank you for contacting Lake, Smit & Partners.
Kindly contact 031 521 0399 or email [e-mail] for further assistance.
Regards,
Lake, Smit & Partners Team

[@sparemethedramatics1629]

Does that hurt?

[@iqbalsiddiganie4977]

The patient is provided adequate local anesthetic at the beginning and during the procedure as local anesthetic helps dilute the calcium as well

[@shannonproductions8588]

Just had it kills beyond belief

[@milliejovanovska]

@@shannonproductions8588 did you feel the pain despite having anesthesia?

[@shannonproductions8588]

@@milliejovanovska yes they dilute it with the saline as it’s injected, so it takes a moment to take any effect. The doctor tried about 7 times to break up and extract the calcification. However after the 3rd time pushing the needle into the tendon area and pumping the saline, the pain became incredibly painful as you can feel the area bubbling up and down as they inject solution. I have a very high pain threshold and had to stop after that. All procedures are different though and technician as well so you may have mild discomfort which is what they stress.
Not sure they’ve had it done themselves though 👀🥹

[@milicazhivkovska7015]

@@shannonproductions8588 thank you for your answer. Wish me luck🙏