The condition is characterised by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite near to the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon or less commonly, elsewhere in the rotator cuff.
The aetiology is unknown, but one theory is that minor trauma in a relatively ischaemic area of the tendon results in fibrocartilaginous metaplasia and active crystal extrusion by the chondrocytes.
Although the condition is described in the supraspinatus tendon, it should be noted that similar lesions are observed in tendons and ligaments around the hand, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle.
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