Subacromial Decompression

What is a pinched shoulder or shoulder impingement?

The shoulder is supported by a grouping of four muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. These muscles help to initiate shoulder movement and also help to stabilize and support the joint during these movements. Due to their large responsibility for motion and stability, these muscles and tendon often become injured or may cause pain after frequent, repetitive motions (wear and tear injury). Shoulder impingement is among the most common causes of shoulder pain and is the result of the rotator cuff muscles becoming pinched between the humerus (upper arm bone) and acromion (end of shoulder blade)

What is subacromial decompression?

Some of the tendons of the rotator cuff travel underneath the acromion process of the shoulder, which is the upper end of the scapula (shoulder blade) on the outside of the shoulder. The tendons at this location are covered by a small, fluid-filled pouch known as the bursa, which functions to protect and allow the tendons to glide beneath the acromion bone during shoulder movement. Frequent, overhead repetitive motions can cause the bursa to become inflamed and painful, leading to painful shoulder impingement. Subacromial decompression with a bursectomy, or removal of painful and inflamed bursa, is a procedure that is performed to alleviate the pain and swelling associated with this condition. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder surgeon, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have shoulder impingement and can benefit from a subacromial decompression.

How is a subacromial decompression done?

Dr. Lamplot will perform a subacromial decompression using an arthroscopic procedure. This is a safe, minimally invasive technique that reduces the risk of infection and other surgical complications and may result in a faster recovery. The arthroscopic technique uses a small camera and specialized surgical tools that are inserted through small incisions in the shoulder. Dr. Lamplot will identify any irregular inflamed or injured tissues in the shoulder joint and remove them. If necessary, he will also remove any bone spurs present in the area. By removing the rough, injured tissue, the shoulder joint will regain smooth, fluid, nonpainful motion. Subacromial decompression is typically a quick procedure, lasting approximately 30 minutes to an hour.

Is subacromial decompression painful?

The subacromial decompression treatment is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under regional anesthesia (i.e. nerve block). This technique will allow the patient to return home on the same day of surgery; however, their arm may feel slightly numb or tingly until the numbing agent wears off (usually after 24 hours or less). The patient can expect their shoulder to feel stiff and sore for a few weeks. However, this is typically alleviated with ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) followed by physical therapy to decrease pain and stiffness.

What is the recovery like after subacromial decompression?

Immediately following the surgery, the patient will need to wear a shoulder sling for comfort to prevent movement of the shoulder. They will wear this for approximately 2 weeks and will begin physical therapy and shoulder exercises within a few days of surgery. Dr. Lamplot may also provide specific shoulder stretches and exercises to be performed at home immediately after surgery to help the patient return to normal activities. The patient can expect to return to normal day-to-day activities after approximately 3 weeks. Full recovery and return to all activities are typically achieved in approximately 2-3 months following the subacromial decompression treatment.