Surgical Decompression for the Impingement Syndrome of the Shoulder

Kim, Taik Seon; Shim, Jae Ik; Lee, Seong Jong; Yu, Chang Mu; Lee, Suck Ha; Lee, Eun No

Abstract

The impingement syndrome has an anatomical character that occur against the anterior edge and the undersurface of anterior third of the acromion, coracoacromial ligament and acromioclavicular joint. The treatment consists of conservative and surgical things. We consider the surgical intervention only in cases fail to control pain by conservative treatment over 3 months(from Feb. 1990 to Jan. 1994). The author experienced 15 cases (14 pts) in positive impingement sign & test and evaluated by shoulder arthrography in all cases. 1. The mean age was 60 years ranged from 48 to 68 years and the average symptom duration was 23 months. 2. There were all positive impingement sign & test clinically. 3. There were partial tear of rotator cuff in 3 cases and complete tear in 12 cases radiologically. 4. The anterior acromioplasty with division of coracoacromial ligament was performed in all cases, additional rotator cuff repair in 3 cases and bicipital tenodesis in 2 cases. 5. At the follow up based on UCLA shoulder rating scale, results were excellent & good in 13(86%) and unsatisfactory in 2(14%) cases.