Subacromial Decompression

Subacromial decompression refers to the act of relieving the lateral force on the tendons in the shoulder.


Indications for operation
Subacromial Impingement (painful arc) unresponsive to treatment
Rotator cuff rupture (repaired at same time)
ACJ arthritis (treated at same time)

General anesthetic with an interscalene block
Fully asleep with a local anesthetic injection into the side of the neck will numb the nerves to the shoulder for post-operative pain relief.

Operation type Arthroscopic
Incisions 3 ½ cm incisions will be made in the shoulder, one to the back, one at the side and one at the front of the shoulder.

Procedure
The gleno-humeral (shoulder) joint will be inspected first followed by the subacromial bursa and the rotator cuff.
A soft tissue shaving device will be used to clear any scar tissue away.
A bone-shaving device will be used to shape the underside of the acromion (the bone at the top of the shoulder) and remove any excess bone.

My personal result
Inflamed Bursa (fluid filled sac) was removed.
Large bone spur in the acromial process was removed.