What is Subacromial Decompression?
The rotator cuff is composed of four muscle-tendon units that play a vital role in providing stability and rotation to the shoulder joint. These units connect the humerus, or the upper arm bone, to the scapula, or the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff muscles travel beneath the acromion, which is a portion of the scapula, on their way to the humerus. Inflammation of the bursal tissue in this area, also known as bursitis, or the development of bone spurs, can cause mechanical irritation and pinching of the tendon, which is called impingement. Many cases of bursitis and impingement are caused by overuse of the shoulder joint and the natural aging process.
How to Perform Subacromial Decompression?
Dr. Nawaid Ahmed often performs subacromial decompression as an outpatient procedure under either regional or general anesthesia. This arthroscopic surgery involves creating a small incision in the affected area to access the joint, remove the inflamed bursa and other irritated soft tissue in the acromion. For patients with impingement, Dr. Nawaid Ahmed will also remove bone spurs and any other bony abnormalities responsible for pinching. This impingement treatment can also benefit those with advanced AC joint arthritis and pain. In such cases, Dr. Nawaid Ahmed will remove a small part of the clavicle’s distal bone to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Once all areas of inflamed tissue and bone spurs are removed during subacromial decompression, Dr. Nawaid Ahmed will test the shoulder by gently moving it through a range of motions to ensure that all areas causing pain and pinching are removed. Then he will close the incision site using a simple suture, dress the repaired area, and place the arm in a sling or similar device to immobilize the joint and protect the repair.