[Arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression. Comments on indications and surgical technique]

Between January 1989 and December 1991 614 arthroscopic subacromial decompressions were performed for impingement syndromes. The first 100 cases represented our learning curve. The first 74 of the remaining 514 cases were available for evaluation and form the basis of the results presented here. Twenty (27.02%) patients were rated stage II in Neer's classification and 54 (72.98%) were rated stage III, 33 (44.59%) of them with a small full-thickness tear (less than 1 cm) and 21 (28.37%) with larger defects. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively utilizing the ULCA shoulder score. The average follow-up was 7.9 months. The overall results were satisfactory in 67 cases (90.5%) and unsatisfactory in 7 cases (9.5%). Within the satisfactory group, 28 results (37.8%) were rated excellent and 39 (52.7%) were rated good. In the unsatisfactory group four results (5.4%) were rated fair and three (4.1%) poor. The results in advanced stage III (n = 21), with an average follow-up of 8.4 months, were satisfactory in 20 cases (excellent in 8 and good in 12) and unsatisfactory in one case. It is concluded that arthroscopic subacromial decompression is an effective treatment for both stage II and III impingement syndromes, producing acceptable results that are comparable to those of open procedures. Technically, it seems necessary to perform synovectomy of the ventral synovia in the glenohumeral joint, to resect the coracoacromial ligament completely and also to remove calcifications completely. Depending on the findings of a preoperative sonographic examination of the shoulder joint, the extent of the acromioplasty may be minimized.