Recovery From Subacromial Decompression

Subacromial decompression is a surgical procedure to treat subacromial impingement syndrome. This is a condition in which there is not enough space between the humerus (upper arm) and the acromion, a bone in the shoulder. This compression can be caused by inflammation in the rotator cuff tendon or the bursa, the fluid-filled sac between the humerus and the acromion. Several steps should be taken following surgery to repair this condition.

Surgery

• Subacromial decompression is a fairly minor surgery. The orthopedic surgeon will make several small incisions around the shoulder. This enables the surgeon to view the shoulder tendons and bones from a few different angles. He will then insert a small laproscopic camera into the shoulder, providing live images of the shoulder on an attached monitor. To correct the impingement, he will remove the inflamed bursa with tongs and shave down the acromion bone. These steps create greater flexibility and space within the shoulder. Once this is completed, the incisions are sutured shut and dressing is placed around the shoulder.

Recovery

• The day after surgery, you will return to the physician's office to have the shoulder dressings removed. You will then be sent to physical therapy, where specific exercises can help you regain your full range of movement. These exercises will likely include shoulder rolls and pendulum exercises in which you let your affected arm hang loose and swing it gently like a pendulum. Mild pain medication may be prescribed for lingering discomfort from surgery. Full strength and mobility should return within 4-6 weeks. It may take longer until you are healthy enough to resume athletic activities, often 2-3 months. Talk to your doctor about your specific recovery timeframe.