[Open surgical techniques for subacromial impingement syndrome]

Various surgical techniques have been used for the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome, ranging from complete acromionectomy to arthroscopic subacromial decompression. Following the recognition of the importance of the acromial arch in maintaining superior stability of the glenohumeral joint, attempts have been directed to minimize the amount of acromial excision. In this article, open surgical subacromial decompression techniques and the importance of the amount of acromial excision are discussed.