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Subacroamial Decompression Surgery
Relevant information about Subacroamial Decompression Surgery.
Subacromial Decompression is a specific type of shoulder arthroscopy. It is considered as a relatively non-invasive procedure for the treatment of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome. It is performed after an individual has found no relief with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.
This type of surgery is performed in order to treat sport injuries such as Subacromial Impingement Syndrome. This is a common condition in athletes and it is caused by an overuse of the shoulder zone. The rotator cuff tendon is pinched between the humeral head and the undersurface of the acromion. This causes irritation and inflammation of the soft tissue from the shoulder joint affecting the muscles of the area. Consecuences of this syndrome are muscular imbalance and shoulder instability. Individuals with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome may experience symptoms that include pain, discomfort, and a burning or tingling sensation in the shoulder joint and, with time, a limited range of motion.
For the procedure, physicians use a video camera about the size of a pencil, which is called an arthroscope and an instrument with a similar size, called shaver. The arthroscope provides the attending physician with an interior view of the shoulder and surrounding tissues, as well as the opportunity to further evaluate the condition of the affected area. The shaver is used to remove inflamed tissue. Both instruments are inserted into the shoulder through two to three small portal incisions about 5 mm. long. The first step of the surgery is to relieve accumulated pressure in the rotator cuff. This is achieved by removing the subacromial bursa, which is the fluid sack located in the shoulder joint. Any fibrotic or scar tissue resulting from extensive irritation is also removed. Then, the rotator cuff is inspected to look for any signs of a tear. Next, to increase space for the rotator cuff and tendons, the external end of the scapula, which is called the acromion, is sanded to a flattened surface and a portion of the coracoacromial ligament is removed. Once the decompression is complete, sutures are used to close the incisions.
The patient is placed in a shoulder sling following surgery, but he can begin shoulder motion quickly. There is no need for a period of restricted motion to allow the tendon healing. In most cases, patients can begin gentle motion immediately after surgery. Rehabilitation consisting on a series of exercises prescribed by the physician or physiotherapist will accompany the recovery. Returning to normal activity may be done within 2 or 6 weeks. Sustained activities however should be avoided by the patient for at least 12 weeks.
During surgery, the possible complication of Subacromial Decompression is accidental damage to the shoulder blade or another part of the shoulder joint, including the nerves or blood vessels. If the nerves are damaged during the procedure, this might lead to a loss of feeling in the skin over the shoulder. After surgery it's possible for the upper edge of the shoulder blade to fracture. However, both possibilities are rare and the exact risks tend to differ for every individual.
Subacromial Decompression removes the subacromial bursa and flattens the acromion, increasing the space between the humerus and the acromion, thus reducing the impingement of the rotator cuff tendons.
Subacromial Decompression will not prevent the deterioration of the rotator cuff. If the rotator cuff is damaged, deterioration symptoms may occur at a later date.
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