Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed between the head of the humerus bone and a part of the shoulder blade. This syndrome can lead to a chronic inflammatory condition that may eventually develop into the weakening of the rotator cuff tendons. Ultimately, this situation could result in a torn rotator cuff.
Treatment
Primary treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome generally consists of anti-inflammatory drugs (possible steroid injections), ice, and plenty of rest.
When shoulder surgery is prescribed, the surgical procedures used by physicians are intended to provide more room for the rotator cuff tendons. In this procedure, called subacromial decompression, the bone spurs that the tendon rubs against are simply removed, thereby creating more room for the tendon to glide normally. This type of surgery is referred to as an acromioplasty. Simultaneously, the lubricating sack located between the rotator cuff and the underside of the acromion (bursa) that has been inflamed by the impingement process, is also removed. |
