Athroscopic Sub Acromial Decompression

[ebjb]

Anyone had this surgery? I am having it done on 17th December. Have had shoulder pain since March - had physiotherapy, 2 cortisone injections and acupuncture - nothing worked.  I have a lot of pain in my shoulder, especially when sleeping (trying to sleep!) and I can't put my arm behind my back. Initially in March I couldn't raise my arm above my head, but injections helped that a bit. X Rays have shown calcification and bone spur. I am concerned that the surgery may make things worse, as although I am in pain, I can still manage to do most things around the house. Some days the pain is worse than other days. I would be grateful to hear how other people got on with the surgery.

[ebjb]

Thank you again for the information and reassurance. I feel much more confident about the surgery now. I will come back to the forum to let you know how I get on after I've had the surgery.

Thanks again.

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
   Thanks for writing in.A nerve block is used during the operation which means that immediately after the operation the shoulder and arm may feel numb. This may last a few hours. After this the shoulder may well be sore and you will be given pain killers to help this whilst in hospital. These can be continued after you are discharged home. Ice packs may also help reduce pain. Wrap frozen peas or crushed ice in a damp, cold cloth and place on the shoulder for up to 15 minutes.

This is a keyhole operation usually done through two or three 5mm puncture wounds. There will be no stitches only small sticking plaster strips over the wounds. These should be kept dry until healed. This usually takes 5 to 7 days.

The Cryocuff and nerve block also help any post-operative pain.If you are in a sedentary job you may return as soon as you feel able usually after one week. A follow up appointment with the shoulder team will be made for three weeks after your operation. The amount of physiotherapy will depend on your individual needs.

Diagnosing and treatment of atrial fibrillation during the surgery will be taken care of by the anaesthetist.Don't worry.
Take care.

[ebjb]

Thank you SO much for your reply. I do have subacromial impingement (which I forgot to mention in my first post) and bone spur. I feel much more confident about going for the surgery after reading your reply, especially as you said if I leave it untreated it would result in deformity and loss of function in the joint. I have been told I will stay in overnight after the surgery - I presume this will be for pain relief? Do you know how long the procedure usually takes? I have Atrial Fibrillation and worry about general anaesthetic, although I guess they will keep an eye on my heart rhythm throughout the procedure.
Thank you again.

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
   How are you? Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression is a relatively non-invasive procedure for the treatment of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome.With the introduction of arthroscopic surgical techniques for shoulder pathology, minimal pain and rapid recovery have become the major benefits.This proceedure is employed for recurrent shoulder instability, labral tears, adhesive capsulitis, subacromial impingement and bone spurs.

The symptoms may take up to three months to resolve, at which time the full benefits of surgery are noted. However, the majority of patients see a dramatic and rapid improvement of their symptoms soon after surgery.Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on an out-patient basis.  It results in minimal to no scaring, little if any pain, and rapid return of function.

I would say that it is better to undergo this surgery in your case as all the conservative measures of treatment have failed. Also if left untreated would result in the deformity and loss of function in the joint.
Do write to me for further queries or suggestions.
Best.