✦ Minimally Invasive Shoulder Relief

Subacromial Decompression / Acromioplasty

Q: What exactly is shoulder impingement and why does it cause so much pain?

Impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are repeatedly pinched between the humeral head and the acromion during arm elevation. Over time, this mechanical irritation inflames the bursa, frays the tendons, and produces worsening pain with any overhead movement.

Q: Should I try physiotherapy before having subacromial decompression?

Yes. A minimum of 3–6 months of targeted physiotherapy and at least one subacromial corticosteroid injection should be tried before surgery is considered. The majority of patients with impingement improve with conservative management alone.

Q: How long does recovery from subacromial decompression take?

Most patients are comfortable with light daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Return to sport and full overhead activity typically takes 6–12 weeks. Physiotherapy is essential during recovery to maximise the functional benefit of the decompression.

Q: Can bony spurs return after acromioplasty?

Bony spur recurrence after acromioplasty is uncommon. The procedure permanently increases the subacromial space. Long-term outcomes are consistently good when surgery is combined with an appropriate post-operative rehabilitation programme.

A keyhole procedure to remove bone spurs and inflamed tissue beneath the shoulder — creating more space for the rotator cuff tendons to move freely and eliminating the chronic pain of shoulder impingement syndrome.

30–45 min PROCEDURE

Day Care HOSPITAL STAY

>85% SUCCESS RATE

6–12 Weeks FULL RECOVERY

What is Subacromial Decompression / Acromioplasty?

Subacromial decompression targets shoulder impingement syndrome — a condition where the rotator cuff tendons are mechanically compressed between the humeral head and the undersurface of the acromion during overhead movement. The procedure uses an arthroscope to remove the inflamed subacromial bursa (bursectomy) and shave down any bony spurs or prominence on the acromion undersurface (acromioplasty). The result is a larger, smoother subacromial space through which the tendons can glide without impingement. Dr. Sai Kishan performs subacromial decompression arthroscopically at Lux Hospitals as a day-case procedure after adequate conservative treatment has been trialled.

Indicated for patients with diagnosed shoulder impingement syndrome — producing pain with arm elevation, a positive impingement sign, and radiological evidence of acromial spurs or subacromial bursitis — where at least 3–6 months of dedicated physiotherapy and subacromial injection have failed to provide lasting relief.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Patient Positioning

General or interscalene block; beach-chair or lateral decubitus position for shoulder arthroscopy.

Glenohumeral Joint Assessment

The joint is inspected first to identify and address any concurrent labral, biceps, or rotator cuff pathology contributing to the shoulder symptoms.

Subacromial Bursectomy

The arthroscope is redirected into the subacromial space; the thickened, inflamed bursa is excised systematically using a motorised shaver.

Acromial Spur Removal

A powered burr smooths and flattens the undersurface of the acromion, removing impinging bone and creating the desired subacromial space.

Portal Closure & Early Physiotherapy

Portals are closed; a brief sling is used for comfort; physiotherapy begins promptly to restore full shoulder range of motion and rotator cuff strength.

Outcomes

30–45 minDURATION

Day CaseHOSPITAL STAY

>85%SUCCESS RATE

6–12 WeeksRETURN TO SPORT

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Reliably eliminates impingement pain caused by bony spurs and bursal inflammation
→Removes both the inflamed bursa and the bone abnormality causing compression
→Day-case procedure — the patient goes home the same day as surgery
→Associated shoulder pathology identified and treated in the same session
→Most patients return to desk work and light activities within 1–2 weeks
→Prevents further rotator cuff tendon damage from ongoing mechanical impingement

Subacromial decompression is one of the most reliably satisfying procedures in shoulder surgery. The patient who has struggled to reach a shelf for months can often do it comfortably within weeks of the procedure.

— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

What exactly is shoulder impingement and why does it cause so much pain?+

Should I try physiotherapy before having subacromial decompression?+

How long does recovery from subacromial decompression take?+

Can bony spurs return after acromioplasty?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.

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