Shoulder Acromioplasty

The shoulder joint is surrounded and anchored by a deep layer of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff tendons. When the arm is raised forward or sideways, these tendons move under a bulge composed of the acromion bone - part of the scapula that forms the 'roof' of the shoulder - and other ligaments.

When the tendons of the rotator cuff and the subacromial bursa are pinched in the narrow space beneath the acromion rubbing against the bone can cause the development of pain and inflammation, called "shoulder impingement syndrome' of the rotator cuff.

Acromioplasty, or arthroscopic pressure reduction of the shoulder, is a minimally invasive surgery performed to release the pressure from the rotator cuff ligaments around the shoulder joint and clavicle.

When is the surgery recommended?

Typically, the initial treatment for "shoulder impingement syndrome'  will be non-surgical and will include rest, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, physiotherapy and even steroids injections directly into the joint. Even though the pain can last from several weeks to months, most patients experience a gradual improvement and return to activity.

If these treatments have not resulted in a sufficient relief of pain or symptoms, doctors may recommend performing the surgery.

The course of the surgery

The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia as part of a out patient hospitalization, and usually lasts less than an hour. However, the duration of the procedure can vary depending on the findings at time of surgery.

After anesthesia and fixation of the joint position, a special camera called an arthroscope will be inserted into the joint. The arthroscope allows photography of the joint space and transmission of the image to the screen. Specialized tools are then inserted through tiny openings around the joint.

Subsequently, the product space is expanded through which the tendons pass, by sanding the pressing bone protrusion, until a pressure relief is achieved that allows free movement of the shoulder and arm without stimulation.

Preparation for surgery

Prior to the operation, an examination must be performed by an orthopedic specialist. In addition, the medical validity and preliminary tests done will be examined, in order to plan the surgery in the best way for you. On occasion it is necessary to perform additional tests before surgery.

In addition, a preliminary evaluation by an anesthesiologist should be performed. You should be in  complete food and liquid fast according to staff instructions.

Recovery after procedure

After surgery, the arm is placed in a sling for a short period of time for initial recovery. When the degree of pain allows it and on the recommendation of the doctor, it will be possible to remove the sling and start performing rehabilitation on the shoulder. It usually takes two to four months to reach complete pain relief, but the overall recovery process can take up to a year.

Possible complications

The complication rate of acromioplasty is low and the surgery is considered fairly safe. However, as with any surgical intervention, there are possible risks in this procedure, other than the risks associated with anesthesia.

Possible complications are rare and include local infection, nerve damage, bleeding or the development of a blood clot. Shoulder stiffness is also a possibilty, although it is usually only a temporary condition which improves within three to six months.