Acromioplasty Shoulder Surgery

What is acromioplasty, and when is it necessary?

Acromioplasty (commonly known as shoulder decompression surgery) is a procedure performed to alleviate pain and improve shoulder function by reshaping the acromion – a bony structure that can impinge on tendons or soft tissues within the shoulder joint.

Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists at OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio, offers expert care for shoulder conditions, including arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Book a visit at one of our locations today!

What is Acromioplasty?

Acromioplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pressure on the rotator cuff tendons by reshaping or removing part of the acromion bone. The acromion is part of the scapula (shoulder blade) and forms the upper arch of the shoulder joint.

Over time, the acromion can develop bone spurs, leading to painful friction against shoulder tendons, particularly the rotator cuff, potentially causing rotator cuff injury. By smoothing or reshaping this bone, acromioplasty reduces impingement, thereby alleviating pain and preventing further damage.

When is Acromioplasty Necessary?

Acromioplasty is generally considered when non-surgical treatments—such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections—have not sufficiently relieved shoulder pain. The surgery is typically necessary in cases of chronic shoulder impingement syndrome, where the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed due to repeated compression between the acromion and the humeral head (upper arm bone).

Other conditions that might require acromioplasty include:

When left untreated, these conditions can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion, and even more severe shoulder damage over time.

Candidates for Acromioplasty Surgery

The ideal candidates for acromioplasty are individuals who:

Have persistent shoulder pain despite 3-6 months of conservative treatment.
Experience pain when raising the arm overhead or during specific shoulder movements.
Have imaging results (e.g., X-rays or MRIs) showing a bone spur, acromial impingement, or associated shoulder damage.
Are physically active and rely heavily on shoulder function for daily tasks, sports, or work-related activities.

It’s crucial that candidates are generally in good health and capable of undergoing surgery. Before recommending acromioplasty, your orthopedic surgeon will assess your medical history, physical condition, and overall treatment goals.

Understanding the Acromioplasty Procedure

Acromioplasty is typically performed using arthroscopic surgery, although it can be done through open surgery in some cases. The steps generally include:

Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia or a regional nerve block.
Incision and Access: Small incisions are made to insert an arthroscope (a tiny camera) and surgical instruments into the shoulder.
Bone Reshaping: The surgeon removes any bone spurs and reshapes the acromion to create more space in the subacromial area, reducing impingement. At this time, they will also clean out any damaged or inflamed tissue.
Rotator Cuff Repair: If the rotator cuff tendons have torn, the surgeon will repair them in order to avoid a second procedure.
Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures, and a sterile bandage is applied.

The surgery typically lasts about 1-2 hours, and most patients go home the same day.

Recovery Period

Recovery from acromioplasty involves both rest and physical therapy. Key aspects include:

Initial Phase (1-2 Weeks): Patients usually wear a sling for comfort and protection. Pain and swelling are managed with medication and ice.
Physical Therapy (2-6 Weeks): Rehabilitation exercises are introduced to restore range of motion and strengthen shoulder muscles.
Return to Activities (6-12 Weeks): Gradual return to daily activities, with sports or strenuous work resuming after clearance from your surgeon.

Full recovery can take several months, depending on the individual’s healing capacity, adherence to physical therapy, and overall health.

Risks of Acromioplasty

While acromioplasty is generally safe, like any surgery, it carries certain risks:

Infection
Blood clots
Nerve or blood vessel damage
Stiffness or loss of motion in the shoulder
Failure to relieve symptoms
Adverse reaction to anesthesia

Working with an experienced orthopedic team and following post-operative instructions closely can significantly minimize these risks.

Key Takeaways

Acromioplasty shoulder surgery is a proven method to relieve chronic shoulder pain and restore function when conservative treatments are ineffective. By removing bone spurs and reshaping the acromion, this procedure reduces friction within the shoulder joint and allows for smoother movement.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re dealing with persistent shoulder pain from conditions like shoulder impingement or rotator cuff injury, the team at OrthoNeuro is here to help. With expertise in comprehensive shoulder care, our specialists can guide you from diagnosis through recovery, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome.

Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our expert team can help you regain your quality of life! With multiple locations throughout Columbus, OH, we’re conveniently located and ready to assist you on your journey to recovery.

Medically reviewed by Scott Smith, MD

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acromioplasty#risks

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.