Modified acromioplasty for shoulder impingement syndrome with an intact rotator cuff

ABSTRACT

The study included 20 consecutive patients [14 males and 6 females] with an average age of 6.4 years. The dominant extremity was involved in 17 patients. The follow-up period was 20 months. Before operation, all the patients had shoulder pain for at least one year despite conservative treatment. At operation, the rotator cuff tendons were explored and were intact. The modified two-step acromioplasty followed by proper rehabilitation was successful in 90% of patients. It was believed that removal of only the inferior prominence is insufficient and may lead to continuing or recurring of symptoms and that the removal of the anterior portion is advised as it continues to irritate the subacromial bursa and the rotator cuff