Calcinosis is the formation of calcium deposits in any soft tissue.

These range from infection and injury to systemic diseases like kidney failure.

This type of calcification can occur as a response to any soft tissue damage, including that involved in implantation of medical devices.

Metastatic calcification involves a systemic calcium excess imbalance, which can be caused by hypercalcemia, kidney failure, milk-alkali syndrome, lack or excess of other minerals, or other causes.

It is generally characterized by large, globular calcifications near joints.