Objective To investigate the surgical method and clinical results of arthroscopic calcified foci debridement in the treatment of calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. Methods From 2003 to 2006, 14 patients with calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff underwent arthroscopic debridement of calcified foci. There was one male case and 13 female cases with an average age of 46.1 years. There were 5 cases of left shoulder, 9 cases of right shoulder, and 9 cases involving the dominant side. Preoperative orthopantomogram and supraspinatus exit radiographs were taken, ultrasound examination was performed in 8 cases, and MRI examination was performed in 8 cases. All cases underwent arthroscopic debridement of calcified foci, 4 acromioplasties, and 6 rotator cuff repairs. The UCLA shoulder score criteria were used for evaluation at preoperative and final follow-up, respectively. Results The follow-up time ranged from 1 to 5 years with a mean of 32 months, and the mean UCLA scores before and after surgery were 13.3±3.9 versus 32.0±2.9, with a statistically significant difference (t=-12.486,P=0.000). The mean pain score was 2.3±0.7 versus 8.7±1.3 (P=0.000), the mean functional score was 4.0±1.6 versus 8.7±1.5 (P=0.000), and the mean active forward shoulder flexion score was 3.1±1.8 versus 4.9& plusmn;0.3 (P=0.003), the mean anterior flexor strength score was 3.9±0.5 versus 4.6±0.5 (P=0.000), excellent in 7 cases and good in 7 cases. All patients expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the procedure. Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement of calcified foci is an effective method for the treatment of calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. The surgery is less invasive and the postoperative recovery is fast.