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RATE OF RECOVERY AFTER ARTHROSCOPIC DECOMPRESSION FOR SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

Dept of Orthopaedics, Princess Royal Hospital, Apley Castle, Telford TF6 6TF

68 patients underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression for shoulder impingement syndrome. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 3 weeks and 3 months post operatively using the Constant score. Mean preoperative Constant score was 46. 5 (34–67), at 3 weeks 65. 8 (40–86), and at 3 months 82. 4 (50–99). There was no correlation between the impingement grade, presence of a cuff tear or acromioclavicular joint involvement, and a significant poorer outcome. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is a reliable method of improving the functional ability of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, with a 20 point increase in the Constant score at 3 weeks post surgery, rising to a 40 point increase at 3 months. Patients can therefore be counselled that they will make a significant functional improvement in a short time after surgery.

The abstracts were prepared by Mr Simon Donell. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedics, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, Level 4, Centre Block, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, United Kingdom