TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ROTATOR-CUFF IMPINGEMENT BY ARTHROSCOPIC SUBACROMIAL DECOMPRESSION

We report a prospective study of 49 patients who had arthroscopic suba cromial decompression for chronic rotator-cuff impingement. All patien ts were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months using the mo dified UCLA shoulder score. The dominant arm was affected in 35 patien ts, but only 13 recognised overuse as a cause of their shoulder pain. Before operation, the UCLA shoulder score was poor or fair in all pati ents. After three months only 28% of patients had satisfactory relief of symptoms but at one year 85% of patients examined had a good or exc ellent result. Patients with calcific tendonitis recovered more quickl y: 93% reported a good result at six months, We conclude that arthrosc opic subacromial decompression is an effective form of treatment, but that patients should be warned that recovery from surgery may be prolo nged.