Subacromial Decompression / Acromioplasty
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.
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
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Reliably eliminates impingement pain caused by bony spurs and bursal inflammation
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Removes both the inflamed bursa and the bone abnormality causing compression
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Day-case procedure — the patient goes home the same day as surgery
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Associated shoulder pathology identified and treated in the same session
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Most patients return to desk work and light activities within 1–2 weeks
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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
Subacromial Decompression / Acromioplasty Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Subacromial Decompression / Acromioplasty in Hyderabad at Lux Hospitals generally ranges from ₹70,000 to ₹1,50,000, with an average estimated cost of ₹1,10,000. The procedure may be considered for selected patients with shoulder impingement or certain rotator cuff conditions where the space beneath the acromion contributes to symptoms. The final cost depends on the underlying shoulder condition, surgical findings and whether additional procedures are performed during the same operation.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Impingement syndrome | ₹70,000 ₹1,50,000 |
| Partial tear with impingement | ₹70,000 ₹1,50,000 |
MRI is required before planning when a rotator cuff tear or other significant shoulder pathology is suspected. Subacromial decompression or acromioplasty may be performed along with treatment of an associated rotator cuff or other shoulder problem when clinically appropriate. Post-operative physiotherapy commonly continues for around 3–6 months depending on the procedure and recovery needs, and physiotherapy charges are billed separately.
Factors Affecting Subacromial Decompression / Acromioplasty Cost in Hyderabad
The total cost varies according to the underlying shoulder condition, extent of treatment and whether additional procedures are required. Important factors include:
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Underlying shoulder condition, including impingement syndrome, partial rotator cuff tear or other tendon-related problems contributing to pain and restricted movement
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Extent of subacromial narrowing and acromial anatomy, which may influence the amount of decompression or reshaping required during surgery
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Condition of the rotator cuff, including the size and location of any partial tear and whether additional tendon treatment is required
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Whether acromioplasty is performed as an isolated procedure or combined with rotator cuff repair, bursectomy or treatment of another shoulder abnormality
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MRI and other imaging findings, which help assess the rotator cuff, subacromial space, acromion and associated shoulder structures before surgery
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Surgical technique and arthroscopic equipment required to visualize and treat the subacromial space safely
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Anaesthesia, operating-room charges, medicines, surgical consumables and hospital or day-care charges, which can vary according to the procedure performed
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Post-operative rehabilitation requirements, including physiotherapy for restoration of shoulder movement, strength and functional use of the arm; physiotherapy charges are separate from the surgical cost
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Associated shoulder problems that may require additional treatment during the same operation and can increase the overall treatment cost
Insurance Coverage for Subacromial Decompression / Acromioplasty
Subacromial decompression or acromioplasty may be covered by health insurance when medically necessary, subject to the policy's terms, exclusions, waiting periods, pre-authorization requirements and applicable procedure limits. Coverage may vary when the procedure is combined with rotator cuff repair or other shoulder surgery.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Sai Kishan
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, can evaluate patients with persistent shoulder pain, impingement symptoms or rotator cuff problems and determine whether subacromial decompression or acromioplasty is appropriate. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Shoulder pain, particularly pain during overhead activities, reaching behind the back or lifting the arm Duration and progression of symptoms, including any history of shoulder injury, repetitive overhead activity or sports-related strain Shoulder range of motion, muscle strength and clinical signs that may indicate impingement or rotator cuff involvement MRI findings to assess the rotator cuff, including the presence, size and location of a partial or full-thickness tear X-ray findings and acromial anatomy to evaluate the bony structures around the shoulder and identify factors that may contribute to impingement Condition of the subacromial bursa, rotator cuff tendons and other surrounding structures that may contribute to persistent symptoms Whether acromioplasty should be performed alone or combined with another procedure based on the underlying shoulder pathology Expected recovery, physiotherapy requirements and activity restrictions following the procedure, including the anticipated rehabilitation period
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala. Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala.Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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