subject: Shoulder Decompression - A Preventive Surgery In Asheboro Nc [print this page] Shoulder decompression is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat rotator cuff impingement syndrome. Also called arthroscopic subacromial decompression, shoulder decompression can be performed by your orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC.
How does the shoulder work?
The shoulder is comprised of three bones: scapula, or shoulder blade; clavicle, or collar bone; and humerus, or arm bone. These bones are joined by soft tissues: muscles, tendons, ligaments. Situated at the end of the clavicle is an area called the acromion, which joins it to the scapula.
The main shoulder joint, the glenohumeral joint, consists of the ball-shaped head of the humerus and the glenoid of the scapula, a cup-shaped hollow on the shoulder blade. The shoulder joint is covered by the deltoid muscle, which helps raise your arm overhead, and is cushioned by the sub-deltoid bursa, a fluid-filled sac. This freely-moving joint has the widest range of motion of all the joints in your body.
What is a rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles at the shoulder joint that work as a single unit, to stabilize the joint and help with movement. Tendons attached to these muscles merge to form a single, rotator cuff tendon, which attaches to the head of the humerus bone. There is a space beneath the acromion section of the scapula, the acromial space, through which the rotator cuff tendon passes.
What is rotator cuff impingement syndrome?
Rotator cuff impingement syndrome results from irritation to tendons and bursa where the shoulder ball-joint and the acromion interact. Impingement of the acromion against tendons and bursa causes reduced range of motion, inflammation, and pain.
A clicking or grinding sound can sometimes be heard on raising the arm, and it is usually painful to lie on your injured shoulder. Unless the impingement is corrected and the irritation relieved by orthopedic surgeons, you can suffer permanent damage to your rotator cuff, which would require complicated rotator cuff repair surgery.
Does rotator cuff impingement always mean major surgery?
Your orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC recommend non-surgical measures as initial treatment for this syndrome. If the usual methods of ice, rest, anti-inflammatories, pain killers, physical therapy, or steroid injections fail to resolve your impingement, arthroscopic surgery may be indicated. If your rotator cuff has not been torn beyond repair, your shoulder pain can be alleviated by shoulder decompression.
In rotator cuff impingement, tendons located under the acromion and the sub-deltoid bursa, become abraded by constant scraping. Wear and tear can further weaken the tendon, causing eventual tearing or rupture. If a tendon becomes torn beyond repair, the decompression procedure is not appropriate and rotator cuff repair surgery will be required.
What happens in arthroscopic shoulder decompression surgery?
Shoulder decompression is designed to expand the space under the acromion, to allow rotator cuff tendons to move unimpeded by shoulder joint bones. First, two or three small incisions in your shoulder will be made to allow insertion of a small camera and instruments. Your surgeon will then remove a portion of the acromion, may remove all or part of the damaged bursa, and perhaps make minor repairs to the rotator cuff.
What can I expect after shoulder decompression surgery?
Your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend a post-surgery program of rest and medication for discomfort, then a series of motion exercises followed by appropriate strengthening exercises as your healing progresses. Healing time will depend on many factors, and may take from a few weeks to several months, depending on your particular situation. The goal is to return you to normal function as quickly and safely as possible.
What happens if I don't do anything to treat my rotator cuff impingement?
If rotator cuff impingement syndrome is not diagnosed and treated promptly, the cuff may sustain further weakening which can lead to complete tears, breaks, or ruptures of the tendon. Rotator cuff repair surgery is more invasive and can take longer to heal. If extensive damage to the rotator cuff has been sustained, replacement surgery may be required.
Shoulder decompression surgery could be the answer to your shoulder pain. Consult orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC to see if your rotator cuff impingement syndrome can be helped by this procedure.
