Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome or subacromial impingement syndrome is a broad term that describes inflammation and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder as they “impinge” against the overlying acromion (the upper and anterior part of the shoulder blade).
How Is It Caused? What Are the Main Causes?
The most common causes are the following:
Frequent and continuous strain on the shoulder
Intense and repetitive athletic activity
Poor technique during sports activities
Anatomical factors. The supraspinatus tendon passes beneath a bone – the acromion. If the acromion protrudes excessively, the supraspinatus tendon constantly rubs beneath it and, as a result, becomes more susceptible to developing tendinitis.
Pre-existing calcific tendinitis
What Are the Symptoms?
The most common symptoms are:
Pain on the front or outer aspect of the shoulder. The pain may radiate as far as the elbow, as well as to the neck and back
Night pain that wakes the patient, especially if they sleep on the affected shoulder
Severe and persistent pain even when the shoulder is not moving
Weakness of the upper limb
Limited shoulder mobility
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
A patient with symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome requires assessment by a specialist Shoulder Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. An X-ray will be required to confirm that the pain and stiffness are not due to osteoarthritis of the shoulder or other conditions (such as calcific tendinitis). Dr Leonidou will perform an ultrasound scan of the area to assess the integrity of the tendons and the possible presence of fluid and/or calcifications. In some cases, the doctor will refer you for an MRI scan of the shoulder.
Conservative Treatment
The initial treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome is conservative and includes the following:
Rest and activity modification
Ice therapy
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physiotherapy and a home exercise programme. The exercises aim to reduce pain and restore range of motion.
Cortisone injection alone or in combination with the use of autologous platelet-derived healing factors (PRP)
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatment fails, shoulder arthroscopy offers a definitive solution with excellent functional outcomes. Shoulder arthroscopy involves 3 incisions, each 4 millimetres long. Through these incisions, a camera with cold light and various instruments are inserted into the shoulder. Exclusively by Dr Leonidou’s team, patients are offered the option of undergoing shoulder arthroscopy without general anaesthesia and without sedation. The specialist anaesthesiologist will administer regional-local anaesthesia, and the patient will remain awake during the procedure. Dr Leonidou will clean the inflamed tissues above the tendon, as well as remove any excess bone that is compressing the tendon (acromioplasty). During the operation, he will also repair any other damage that may be present in the shoulder (such as a tendon tear or acromioclavicular joint arthritis).
The detailed postoperative instructions significantly contribute to a proper recovery.
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How Successful Is the Surgery?
Arthroscopic treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome is a safe and bloodless procedure with extremely low complication rates and excellent functional outcomes. The patient is discharged from the hospital a few hours after the operation, wearing a sling for 3 days. The success rate is over 95%, and within a short period of time, the patient fully returns to their daily activities.
What is the cost of surgery?
The cost is quite affordable. For more information, please contact us.
If you experience symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome, consult the specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in shoulder arthroscopy.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.