Is arthoscopy of the shoulder safe - a study/perspective on arthroscopic subracromial decompression

Fourteen fit and healthy patients underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) of shoulder for rotator cuff impingement. Their blood chemistry was analysed pre-operatively, 24 hours post-operatively and 2-3 weeks post-operatively. Levels of haematocrit, sodium, potassium, creatinine and urea were measured. The blood chemistry returned almost to the pre-operative level at 2-3 weeks post-operatively. There was no statistically significant differences found. This study concludes that arthroscopic subacromial decompression is a safe technique when considering the blood parameters despite the haemodilution seen in all patients.