Shoulder Impingement Surgery

Shoulder impingement surgery is an outpatient procedure, usually performed arthroscopically.

Decompression of Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder pain is relieved by decompressing the tight space around the rotator tendon of the shoulder joint. The surgeon removes the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint) and trims back the bone to allow the arm to move freely and without pain once more. In extreme cases, it might be necessary to cut away the coracoacromial ligament if this is causing the impingement.

Minimal Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery for Quick Recovery

The surgeon makes three small incisions (cuts) in the shoulder to access the joint.

Fluid is pumped into the joint through a small metal tube. This expands the joint, giving the surgeon more space in which to work.

An arthroscope containing a light and a small video camera is inserted into another incision. This gives the surgeon a clear view of the joint and the hooked acromion.

The surgeon inserts surgical instruments through the third incision and removes the swollen bursa tissue. The aim of the surgery is to relieve the decompression whilst preserving the coracoacromial ligament, however, if this is not possible, it will be cut away. Finally, the surgeon shaves away the hooked portion of the acromion bone, opening up the space above the supraspinatus tendon.

To complete the procedure the joint is drained, the instruments removed and the incisions closed using stitches or tape.

The shoulder is bandaged and physical therapy helps to restore the shoulder to it's full function within a few days.