Subacromial decompression using modified acromioplasty

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to study the clinical results of subacromial decompression using modified acromioplasty in cases of shoulder impingement syndrome. Thirty two patients who had shoulder impingement syndrome were included in this study. Twenty patients were females and 12 were males. The average age at the time of operation was 43.2 years; 40.6 years for females and 47.6 for males. There were two indications for operation. One was the persistence of pain in the anterior aspect of the shoulder when the arm was elevated and the second was progression of symptoms despite the use of anti-inflammatory medications and rehabilitation program. All cases were managed operatively with a modified Neer acromioplasty. In the classic anterior acromioplasty as described by Neer emphasis was placed on resection of the inferior prominence of the acromion. Modified acromioplasty was done in two steps; the portion of the acromion that projects anteriorly beyond the anterior border of the clavicle was resected vertically and then an anteroinferior acromioplasty was performed. The follow up period ranged between 6-24 months, average 13 months. Nineteen patients had excellent result, 7 had good result and 6 had no improvement