role of arthroscopic acromioplasty in the treatment of chronic impingement syndrome in elderly age group

ABSTRACT

Twenty five cases of chronic impingement syndrome above 50 years of age whether associated with partial thickness rotator cuff tears or not are included in this study. The most common presenting symptoms are night pain and weakness. The most important signs are impingement sign and impingement injection test. Radiological examination shows Type III and Type II acromion in almost all cases. All these cases had at least three months course of conservative treatment but with no improvement. All cases were assessed using UCLA scoring system. All cases were treated by arthroscopic technique starting with arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy, then release of coracoacromial ligament and then excision of the anterior acromion. Most cases showed marked improvement as regard pain and function score. Twenty one cases had satisfactory results while four cases unsatisfactory results, Thus, arthroscopic acromioplasty proved to be as effective as open technique with better cosmesis, shorter hospital stay and preservation of deltoid attachments