What is shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement refers to a painful limitation in the movement of the shoulder as a result of a combination of an inflamed subacromial bursa, bone spurs under the acromion, and inflamed rotator cuff tendons. Read more about shoulder impingement and bursitis. A subacromial decompression is performed to increase the space between the humerus and the shoulder blade so that painful impingement can be eliminated.
What’s involved in a subacromial decompression and acromioplasty?
The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic so you are asleep for the operation. A regional block is usually performed by our anaesthetist to give you good post-operative pain relief as well. A subacromial decompression and acromioplasty is performed via 3-4 keyhole incisions around the shoulder.
Through these keyhole incisions, an arthroscopic camera and instruments are used to access the shoulder joint and the subacromial space above it. A motorised shaver and electrocautery wand are used to debride the subacromial bursa and remove it from the shoulder. These instruments are also used to trim bone spurs from the acromion, in a procedure called “acromioplasty”. Other potential causes of impingement such as thickened ligaments are also debrided.
Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of:
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- Infection
- Wound healing problems – very unlikely with keyhole incisions
- Cardiovascular risks – stroke, heart attack, blood clots
- Bleeding
- Swelling of the operated limb – generally subsides within weeks
- Pain – discomfort is expected after an operation, however pain medications are used in a routine manner to relieve this post-operative discomfort
Specific risks of subacromial decompression and acromioplasty:
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- Damage to nerves around the shoulder
- Recurrent pain
What happens after the surgery?
Postoperative instructions and follow up
Immediate post-op
After your operation you will be taken to the recovery room of the hospital, and allowed to have something to drink. When the team is happy the anaesthetic has worn off, you will be transferred to the day surgery area or to your inpatient room depending on whether you will be staying overnight. A sling / shoulder immobiliser would have been placed on your arm in the operating room, and should keep your arm comfortable and safe. If a nerve block has been performed by our anaesthetist, then your arm should feel comfortable but numb for up to 24 hours after the operation. When pins-and-needles are felt in the hand and arm then the block is starting to wear off, and your nursing staff will commence pain medication to keep you comfortable.
Discharge from hospital
On discharge from hospital you will be given:
- Physiotherapy – instructions on exercises that should commence for the shoulder, elbow and wrist. This will involve daily stretching exercises to be commenced in the first week.
- Sling – instructions on the use of your sling, including whether it is allowed to be removed.
- Dressings – please keep dressings dry and do not remove them.
- Follow up appointment time
Follow up
A follow up appointment will have been made for you after the operation. This will typically be an appointment around the 2-3 weeks after the surgery. If you have any concerns before this appointment, call Dr Yu’s clinic on (08) 7099 0188 to speak with us.
My goals as a surgeon are to relieve your pain, restore your function, and return you back to doing what you love.
– Dr Raymond Yu
- Adelaide Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Adelaide Shoulder Surgeon
About
Dr Raymond Yu
Dr Raymond Yu is an Adelaide Orthopaedic Surgeon with post-Fellowship expertise in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.
He specialises in orthopaedic surgery of the Shoulder and Upper Limb with a focus on modern keyhole and minimally-invasive techniques.
Dr Yu has a special passion for:
- Rotator cuff repair surgery
- Shoulder replacement surgery
- Shoulder stabilisation surgery
Dr Yu practices at
