Acromioplasty

The acromion is an arch-shaped bone ridge, which passes above the humeral head and the rotator cuff ; it can be felt by passing a hand over the top of the shoulder.

When bone spurs (osteophytes) develop, the acromion can become aggressive for the tendons of the cuff and cause a painful inflammation : the subacromial impingement

The procedure is called arthroscopic subacromial decompression

Arthroscopic technique : A miniature camera is inserted through a small incision (portal), and then your surgeon inserts miniature surgical instruments through other portals.

First, the surgeon will observe the condition of the lesions of the tissues (muscles and tendons), the cartilage and the formation of any osteophytes, in order to adapt his surgery very precisely to the observed lesions ; we talk about operational planning.

In the first operative time, an instrument called a shaver (i.e. a motorized cutter) is introduced to carry out resection of the subacromial bursa.
If the long head of biceps tendon is inflammatory, pathological or dislocated, a release of the tendon will be performed.

The second operative time is that of the bone resection, that is to say of the "flattening" of the acromion.

If a tear of the rotator cuff is observed, the third operative stage will be devoted to tendon repair

  • Anesthesia : general + loco regional
  • Technique : arthroscopy
  • Hospitalization : outpatient
  • Immobilization : 8 days in a sling with elbow to the body
  • Immediate passive rehabilitation : 3 times a week until recovery of complete passive mobility.
  • Postoperative visit : 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

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