Shoulder Decompression

What is Shoulder Decompression

A subacromial decompression is a surgery performed for patients with shoulder impingement.

What is a Shoulder Impingement?

Impingement is one of the most common causes of pain in the shoulder. It results from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula) as the arm is raised to the shoulder height. The pain may be due to a “bursitis” or inflammation of the bursa overlying the rotator cuff or a “tendonitis” of the cuff itself. In some cases, a partial tear of the rotator cuff may cause impingement pain.

Indications for Shoulder Decompression

If after a course of conservative treatment, consisting of anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy, your symptoms do not improve; arthroscopic subacromial decompression may be recommended by your surgeon.

Shoulder Decompression Procedure

It is performed under local or general anesthesia to create more room for the rotator cuff tendons. Subacromial decompression, also known as acromioplasty can be performed with an arthroscope or with an open technique (larger incision). In an arthroscopic procedure, two or three small incisions, called portals are made around your shoulder. Through one portal, the arthroscope is inserted to view the shoulder joint. Utilizing an arthroscope and video camera, the doctor visualizes the structures inside the shoulder. Your surgeon can look for any pathology or anomaly.

During the procedure, the front (anterior) edge of the acromion (bony prominence at the top of the shoulder blade) is removed along with some of the bursal tissue and last four or five millimeters of the clavicle to increase subacromial space for the rotator cuff tendons. After treating the problem, the incisions (portals) are closed with sutures.

Postoperative Care for Shoulder Decompression

Following surgery, you may have mild pain in the arm for about a week and your arm may be placed in a sling for a short period of time for early healing. A rehabilitation program that includes exercises to regain range of motion of the shoulder and strength of the arm may be recommended.

Complications of Shoulder Decompression

Although very rare, certain risks and complications may occur following surgery and include infection, phlebitis (blood clots of a vein), excessive swelling or bleeding, damage to blood vessels or nerves, and instrument breakage.