Are
you considering “decompression shoulder surgery” (also known as
subacromial decompression) for rotator cuff impingement?
A new study published in the Jan. 15, 2019 issue of the British Journal of
Sports Medicine showed that “subacromial decompression surgery provided
no important benefit compared with placebo surgery or exercise therapy, and probably
carries a small risk of serious harms.”
Surgeons have hypothesized that shoulder impingement arises
due the rotator cuff tendons getting pinched between the ball of the shoulder
and the overhanging portion the shoulder blade (the acromion).
This mechanistic hypothesis has driven the use of subacromial decompression
surgery—removal of the subacromial bursa and some bone from the acromion to
prevent impingement on the rotator cuff tendons.
But the new British study calls into question the wisdom and benefits of
surgery.
If you’re looking for non-surgical alternatives to your orthopedic or
musculoskeletal condition look no further than Valley Sports Physicians. For
over 23 years we’ve been leaders and pioneers in non-surgical orthopedics.
Contact us today!