Calcific Tendinitis of ShoulderESWTNCT07756307
Ultrasound-Guided Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis
A study testing Ultrasound guide localization and Palpation localization in people with Calcific Tendinitis of Shoulder, run by Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition that significantly impacts the working-age population, typically those between 30 and 60 years of age. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Calcific Tendinitis of Shoulder
- What is being tested?
- Ultrasound guide localization and Palpation localization
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 30 Jun 2026to 31 Aug 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 20 and 70 years
- Unilateral calcific tendinitis of the shoulder confirmed by clinical physical examination, including a positive Neer's impingement test
- Symptom duration of more than 3 months
- Imaging (radiography and/or high-resolution ultrasound) demonstrating a calcific deposit within a rotator cuff tendon with a maximal diameter greater than 5 mm
- Baseline self-reported pain intensity greater than 4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10)
- Willing and able to provide written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Concomitant full-thickness rotator cuff tear
- History of fracture or surgery involving the ipsilateral shoulder
- Coagulopathy, or anticoagulant therapy that cannot be safely discontinued
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Malignancy, particularly involving or adjacent to the shoulder region
- Local infection or skin lesion at the intended treatment site
- Injection therapy to the ipsilateral shoulder within the preceding 6 weeks
- Any other condition that, in the judgment of the investigator, makes the participant unsuitable for participation in the trial
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University
Taipei, Taipei, 116
Shih-Wei Huang, 0970747556, shihwei@tmu.edu.tw
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition that significantly impacts the working-age population, typically those between 30 and 60 years of age. Accounting for approximately 7- 17% of shoulder pain complaints, it is characterized by the pathological deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals within the rotator cuff tendons, most notably the supraspinatus. The progression of the disease, particularly during the resorptive phase described in Uhthoff's cycle, is associated with a dramatic increase in intratendinous pressure and severe inflammatory pain, leading to substantial functional impairment and socioeconomic burden. While Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a well established non-invasive modality known to promote calcific resorption via cavitation effects and mechanotransduction-induced neovascularization, its clinical efficacy remains highly variable across current literature, with success rates ranging widely from 47% to 87%. This inconsistency is largely attributed to the limitations inherent in conventional "blind" or landmark-based targeting techniques. Given that calcific deposits are often small, deeply situated, or obscured by the acromion, palpation-guided targeting is frequently unreliable, resulting in suboptimal energy delivery to the pathology and potential collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This one-year research project aims to evaluate the superior efficacy of "Real-time Ultrasound-Guided" ESWT compared to conventional methods. The investigators propose a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial (RCT) that will recruit 60 patients with confirmed calcific tendinitis. Participants will be stratified by Gärtner classification (Type I-III) to ensure balanced morphological distribution and then randomized into either an experimental group receiving Ultrasound-Guided Focused ESWT or a control group receiving Landmark-based/Sham ESWT. The study incorporates rigorous methodology, including a priori power analysis for sample size estimation, strict allocation concealment, and assessor blinding. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks post-treatment. Primary outcomes include the Constant-Murley Score (CMS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while secondary outcomes involve quantitative ultrasound analysis using ImageJ software to measure the reduction in calcific deposit volume and assess tendon integrity. The investigators hypothesize that the integration of realtime ultrasound guidance will significantly enhance therapeutic precision, leading to higher rates of calcific resorption and functional recovery. The findings are expected to provide high-level evidence to standardize ESWT protocols, thereby advancing the implementation of precision medicine in the field of physical and rehabilitation medicine.
- Conditions
- Calcific Tendinitis of Shoulder
- Being tested
- Ultrasound guide localization, Palpation localization
- Keywords
- Calcific tendonitis, shoulder, ultrasound, ESWT
- Medical subject headings
- Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ultrasound guide localizationProcedure or surgery
Use ultrasound guided localization of calcific tendonitis of shoulder and then perform Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, ESWT 0.12 to 0.25 mJ/mm 6000 times
Palpation localizationProcedure or surgery
Use palpation localization of calcific tendonitis of shoulder and then perform Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, ESWT 0.12 to 0.25 mJ/mm 6000 times
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound localization ESWT | Experimental | Ultrasound image guided the depth and location of calcification point, Perform ESWT for calcific tendonitis of shoulder Receives: Procedure: Ultrasound guide localization |
| Palpation localization ESWT | Active comparator | Palpation and depends the feedback of participants localization of ESWT points Receives: Procedure: Palpation localization |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Constant-Murley Score (CMS)
The Constant-Murley Score is a clinician-administered instrument assessing shoulder function across four domains: pain (15 points), activities of daily living (20 points), range of motion (40 points), and strength (25 points), for a total score of 0-100. Higher scores indicate better shoulder function. The measure compares real-time high-resolution ultrasound-guided focused ESWT (experimental) with X-ray plus palpation-guided focused ESWT (control) for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12; change from baseline is reported.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 12 after the start of treatment (primary endpoint at Week 12)
Change in Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity is self-reported on a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain. Ratings are collected for pain at rest, pain with activity, night pain, and average pain over the past week. Higher scores indicate greater pain. Change from baseline is compared between the ultrasound-guided ESWT and landmark (X-ray + palpation)-guided ESWT groups. Assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 12 after the start of treatment (primary endpoint at Week 12)
Change from Baseline in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Patient-reported questionnaire comprising a 5-item pain subscale and an 8-item disability subscale, each item scored 0-10. Subscale and total scores are expressed as percentages (0-100%), with higher scores indicating greater pain and disability.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12
Secondary outcomes (4)
Calcific Deposit Resorption Rate
Calcific deposit dimensions (long axis, short axis, area, and estimated volume) are quantified from ultrasound images using ImageJ software. Percentage volume reduction from baseline is calculated. Resorption is additionally categorized as complete, partial (>50%), partial (<50%), unchanged, or increased.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12
Change from Baseline in Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM)
Active and passive range of motion measured in degrees with a goniometer for forward flexion, abduction, external rotation at 90° abduction, and internal rotation at 90° abduction.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12
Tendon Structural Integrity on Ultrasound
Supraspinatus (or affected) tendon integrity graded on high-resolution ultrasound as intact, partial-thickness tear, or full-thickness tear. Tendon thickness is recorded in millimeters.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12
Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)
Single-item 7-point scale ranging from 1 (very much improved) to 7 (very much worse), capturing the participant's overall perceived change since starting treatment.
Measured: Week 4, Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Aug 2026
- Study start30 Jun 2026
- Primary completion30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Calcific Tendinitis of ShoulderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Huang ShihWei, Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07756307
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- N202604139
- Acronym
- ESWT
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) that underlie the results reported in the publication (including text, tables, figures, and appendices) will be shared. This includes baseline characteristics, intervention adherence, and primary and secondary outcome measures. Additionally, the study protocol, statistical analysis plan (SAP), and data dictionary will be made available.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07756307
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ESWT / N202604139
- Conditions
- Calcific Tendinitis of Shoulder
- Keywords
- Calcific tendonitis, shoulder, ultrasound, ESWT
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Taipei Medical University WanFang HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 10 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition that significantly impacts the working-age population, typically those between 30 and 60 years of age. Accounting for approximately 7- 17% of shoulder pain complaints, it is characterized by the pathological deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals within the rotator cuff tendons, most notably the supraspinatus. The progression of the disease, particularly during the resorptive phase described in Uhthoff's cycle, is associated with a dramatic increase in intratendinous pressure and severe inflammatory pain, leading to substantial functional impairment and socioeconomic burden. While Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a well established non-invasive modality known to promote calcific resorption via cavitation effects and mechanotransduction-induced neovascularization, its clinical efficacy remains highly variable across current literature, with success rates ranging widely from 47% to 87%. This inconsistency is largely attributed to the limitations inherent in conventional "blind" or landmark-based targeting techniques. Given that calcific deposits are often small, deeply situated, or obscured by the acromion, palpation-guided targeting is frequently unreliable, resulting in suboptimal energy delivery to the pathology and potential collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This one-year research project aims to evaluate the superior efficacy of "Real-time Ultrasound-Guided" ESWT compared to conventional methods. The investigators propose a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial (RCT) that will recruit 60 patients with confirmed calcific tendinitis. Participants will be stratified by Gärtner classification (Type I-III) to ensure balanced morphological distribution and then randomized into either an experimental group receiving Ultrasound-Guided Focused ESWT or a control group receiving Landmark-based/Sham ESWT. The study incorporates rigorous methodology, including a priori power analysis for sample size estimation, strict allocation concealment, and assessor blinding. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks post-treatment. Primary outcomes include the Constant-Murley Score (CMS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while secondary outcomes involve quantitative ultrasound analysis using ImageJ software to measure the reduction in calcific deposit volume and assess tendon integrity. The investigators hypothesize that the integration of realtime ultrasound guidance will significantly enhance therapeutic precision, leading to higher rates of calcific resorption and functional recovery. The findings are expected to provide high-level evidence to standardize ESWT protocols, thereby advancing the implementation of precision medicine in the field of physical and rehabilitation medicine.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound localization ESWT | Experimental | Procedure: Ultrasound guide localizationUltrasound image guided the depth and location of calcification point, Perform ESWT for calcific tendonitis of shoulder |
| Palpation localization ESWT | Active comparator | Procedure: Palpation localizationPalpation and depends the feedback of participants localization of ESWT points |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age between 20 and 70 years
- Unilateral calcific tendinitis of the shoulder confirmed by clinical physical examination, including a positive Neer's impingement test
- Symptom duration of more than 3 months
- Imaging (radiography and/or high-resolution ultrasound) demonstrating a calcific deposit within a rotator cuff tendon with a maximal diameter greater than 5 mm
- Baseline self-reported pain intensity greater than 4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10)
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Concomitant full-thickness rotator cuff tear
- History of fracture or surgery involving the ipsilateral shoulder
- Coagulopathy, or anticoagulant therapy that cannot be safely discontinued
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Malignancy, particularly involving or adjacent to the shoulder region
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound guide localizationUse ultrasound guided localization of calcific tendonitis of shoulder and then perform Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, ESWT 0.12 to 0.25 mJ/mm 6000 times | Procedure or surgery | Ultrasound localization ESWT |
| Palpation localizationUse palpation localization of calcific tendonitis of shoulder and then perform Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, ESWT 0.12 to 0.25 mJ/mm 6000 times | Procedure or surgery | Palpation localization ESWT |
Primary outcome
Change in Constant-Murley Score (CMS)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 12 after the start of treatment (primary endpoint at Week 12)
The Constant-Murley Score is a clinician-administered instrument assessing shoulder function across four domains: pain (15 points), activities of daily living (20 points), range of motion (40 points), and strength (25 points), for a total score of 0-100. Higher scores indicate better shoulder function. The measure compares real-time high-resolution ultrasound-guided focused ESWT (experimental) with X-ray plus palpation-guided focused ESWT (control) for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12; change from baseline is reported.
Change in Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 12 after the start of treatment (primary endpoint at Week 12)
Pain intensity is self-reported on a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain. Ratings are collected for pain at rest, pain with activity, night pain, and average pain over the past week. Higher scores indicate greater pain. Change from baseline is compared between the ultrasound-guided ESWT and landmark (X-ray + palpation)-guided ESWT groups. Assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12.
Change from Baseline in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12
Patient-reported questionnaire comprising a 5-item pain subscale and an 8-item disability subscale, each item scored 0-10. Subscale and total scores are expressed as percentages (0-100%), with higher scores indicating greater pain and disability.
4 secondary outcomes
Calcific Deposit Resorption Rate
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12
Change from Baseline in Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12
Tendon Structural Integrity on Ultrasound
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12
Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)
Time frame: Week 4, Week 12
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data (IPD) that underlie the results reported in the publication (including text, tables, figures, and appendices) will be shared. This includes baseline characteristics, intervention adherence, and primary and secondary outcome measures. Additionally, the study protocol, statistical analysis plan (SAP), and data dictionary will be made available.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Ultrasound guide localization and Palpation localization in people with Calcific Tendinitis of Shoulder, run by Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Shih-Wei Huang, MD (+886970747556, shihwei@tmu.edu.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Constant-Murley Score (CMS) (time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 12 after the start of treatment (primary endpoint at Week 12)). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Aug 2026.