Acromioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves shaving away a portion of the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff tendons. This procedure is also known as subacromial decompression.
Understanding Acromioplasty
Acromioplasty aims to address shoulder impingement, a condition where the rotator cuff tendons are compressed between the acromion and the humerus (upper arm bone). This compression can lead to pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion.
Why is Acromioplasty Performed?
The primary goal of acromioplasty is to:
- Relieve pain: By creating more space for the rotator cuff tendons, the procedure alleviates the pain caused by impingement.
- Improve range of motion: Decompression of the rotator cuff allows for greater freedom of movement in the shoulder.
- Prevent further damage: Untreated impingement can lead to rotator cuff tears. Acromioplasty can help prevent this progression.
The Procedure
During acromioplasty, the surgeon:
- Accesses the shoulder joint: This can be done through an open incision or arthroscopically (using small incisions and a camera).
- Visualizes the acromion and rotator cuff: The surgeon identifies the area of impingement.
- Removes bone: A small portion of the acromion is shaved away to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons. This might involve removing bone spurs as well.
- Smooths the area: The bone is smoothed to prevent further impingement.
- Closes the incision: The incisions are closed with sutures.
Recovery
Recovery from acromioplasty typically involves:
- Pain management: Pain medication is prescribed to manage post-operative discomfort.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapy program is essential to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder.
- Activity modification: Avoiding activities that put stress on the shoulder is crucial for proper healing.
Acromioplasty can be performed using either an open or arthroscopic technique. Arthroscopic acromioplasty is less invasive and typically results in a faster recovery time.
