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Raleigh-Apex-Cary Shoulder Arthroscopic Acromioplasty

Shoulder arthroscopic acromioplasty is a shoulder joint surgery that alleviates impingement compression on the underlying tissues, primarily the rotator cuff tendons and sub acromial bursa sac. This shoulder joint surgery gives those tissues more room to move without undergoing this compression.

The acromion is located at the top part of the shoulder blade and slightly forward at the point of the shoulder. Between this bone as the top, and the ball (humeral head) as the bottom, are located the rotator cuff tendons. These tendons connect important muscles from the scapula (shoulder blade) to the shoulder joint. In the case of rotator cuff debridement, shoulder arthroscopic acromioplasty may be necessary,

The minimally invasive shoulder surgery is performed via arthroscopic methods that involve removing or shaving a part of the under surface of the acromion bone. This results in increasing the subacromial space and reducing the chance of the rotator cuff tendons being compressed or impinged by the acromion.

During the minimally invasive shoulder surgery, structures within the shoulder joint itself are examined and treated as indicated. The integrity and health of the rotator cuff tendons are visualized as well as the underside of the acromion to manage any calcification spurs or abnormally shaped acromion. A decision is made in the event there exists partial or complete tears of these tendons.

During the shoulder arthroscopic acromioplasty, the instruments are introduced into the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is inspected from the top. A mechanized burr is typically used to remove any excessive bone from the under surface of the acromion. This allows less compression resulting in improved movement of the rotator cuff tendons.

At times, the outer end of the collar bone is noted to be protruding into the subacromial space. In these cases it may be necessary to remove a portion of the underside of the collar bone or completely remove the end of this bone. In the event this procedure is performed, this will result in more surgery and the recovery will be slower than when the simple isolated shoulder arthroscopic acromioplasty is performed. Recovery is still fairly rapid when these procedures are performed as a minimally invasive shoulder surgery instead of open.

What Is The Normal Recovery Process For This Procedure?

Maintaining and regaining full range of motion will help prevent residual scar tissue from developing in the subacromial space. Exercises will be prescribed to assist you in regaining full range of motion as quickly as possible. The exercise intensity level will differ according to the exact procedure performed and you will be guided by your physician and physical therapists appropriately. The use of ice, pain medicine and sling will assist you in decreasing post-operative pain and allow you to perform your exercise regimen according to recommendations.

It may take several weeks post-operatively for you to regain a good level of comfort. It may also be difficult to lie down flat or on the affected side until the post-operative inflammation subsides. In the meantime, the use of ice, slight elevation when lying down, and a pillow under the arm will be most helpful.

For more information on how the shoulder joint surgery specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC