Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - What it is

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS) refers to a combination of signs and symptoms that are caused by the compression of structures surrounding the shoulder joint that occur with raising of the arm.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - Symptoms

Shoulder pain
Reduced range of motion of the affected shoulder
Night pain
Shoulder stiffness

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - How to prevent?

To prevent another dislocation, patients should continue wearing the sling or immobilizer until it is deem safe by the orthopaedic surgeon.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - Causes and Risk Factors

Repetitive overhead activity
Increasing age
Athletes who participate in overhead sports (Swimming, tennis, weightlifting etc)
Occupations that involve overhead activity (stocking shelves, painting etc)
Instability of the shoulder joint, scapular, or upper arm inflexibility

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - Diagnosis

Physical examination
Ultrasound
X-rays of the shoulder
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the shoulder

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - Treatments

Non-surgical option

Your surgeon may suggest physical therapy with a physiotherapist
Ice therapy
Rest
Avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms
Analgesia

Surgical option may be offered for:

Based on severity, your surgeon may recommend surgery if non-surgical method fails to reduce your symptoms.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - Preparing for surgery

Prepare front-buttoned shirts or blouses, preferably short-sleeved, for easy wearing.
Prepare Ice pack to relieve post-operation shoulder swelling and pain. Ice pack can also be bought in the hospital from the physiotherapist.
Prepare wet wipes for cleaning of underarm area on the operated shoulder.
For female patients you may want to consider getting a front hook, strapless brassiere as the bra strap may put pressure on your wound and also, you are not advisable to stretch your operated arm backwards
You may wish to practice using more of the unaffected arm to do daily activities like combing of hair, showering, having your meals etc. This is to familiarize yourself with the post-operative limitations of the affected shoulder.
As lifting of heavy weight on the operated arm is not recommended after surgery, you may want to do grocery shopping in advance or seek assistance from family or friends.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - Post-surgery care

After successful reduction of shoulder dislocation, the shoulder is kept immobilized in a sling or immobilizer. The surgeon will decide on the duration of the immobilization and when it will be safe to start rehabilitation.

Please refer to “Orthopaedic Surgery information sheet” for other information regarding post-surgery care.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/Acromioplasty - Other Information

Overview

Article contributed by Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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