[Arthroscopic subacromial decompression.]

Patients suffering from impingement grade II and III by Neer have to be operated on, if conservative therapy has failed. The value of the arthroscopical subacromial decompression in these patients is not completely cleared. In our study 54 patients have been followed up (mean 12 months). Using the UCLA - Score there were 44% very good and 50% good results; only one patient had a bad result. The average improve in the UCLA scoring from pre- to postoperative status was 14 points. Another very important advantage compared to the open procedure is the very short rehabilitation time. Key words: arthroscopy, subacromial decompression, humeroscapular periarthritis, impingement.