Important Facts about Shoulder Impingement Surgery. Shoulder impingement refers to the condition wherein the top part of a person’s shoulder blade puts pressure on and rubs against the rotator cuff whenever he/she lifts his or her arm. It is one of the most common reasons for shoulder pain, especially in people whose everyday activities involve regularly lifting their arm, whether as part of their profession or any other routine. It can hamper a person’s ability to perform his/her daily activities, particularly those that involve reaching overhead. When left untreated, it can lead to a variety of problems such as weakness in the area, rotator cuff injury, bursitis, or tendinitis. While in most cases shoulder impingement can be treated with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, doctors may recommend shoulder impingement surgery especially when the patient is in severe pain and other non-surgical treatments have failed to work. There are two types of shoulder impingement surgery. The first is arthroscopic, meaning that the surgeon only makes a few small incisions in the patient in order to insert tools and a small camera. The second involves a larger incision that exposes the shoulder joint. In both cases, the goal is to make more room for the tendons of the rotator cuff, which involves removing bone spurs. The results of shoulder impingement surgery are generally positive. About eighty to ninety percent of people who undergo the surgery reported less pain and an improved range of motion. However, the highest success rates are among patients who are below fifty years old and are otherwise healthy. Those over seventy and those under seventy but constantly use overhead motions, such as javelin throwers, may not experience as much success. While the surgery is not deemed as a necessary procedure, as it cannot save a patient’s life, it can greatly improve their quality of life by relieving pain and increasing mobility. Alternatives to shoulder impingement surgery include changing one’s lifestyle, avoiding repetitive motions, use of assistive devices such as a sling, and daily exercise. Before the surgery, a doctor will do a full medical exam, as well as review the patient’s medical history. This is to determine if some pre-operative tests
are necessary in order to improve the results of the procedure. A doctor will also ask the patient to prepare for post-surgery care.
This is because the surgery will prevent the patient from doing a lot of activities that he/she is accustomed to doing. Such preparations include arranging a ride home from the hospital, getting someone to assist him/her with chores, and arranging his/her needs at home to make sure that these are within reach. After shoulder impingement surgery, the patient may be discharged immediately. In some cases, the doctor may want to monitor him or her in the hospital for a few days. Arthroscopic surgeries usually have a faster recovery time than open surgeries. Most likely, the patient will need to take a leave from work and limit normal activity for some time. If the patient’s job is physical, it would take months before he/she can return to work. Recovery relies a lot on the patient’s commitment. Following the orders of the doctor could significantly hasten recovery time. Most patients report relief from pain two to four months after the surgery. However, some take as long as a year.