Shoulder Acromioplasty

Specialized management by Dr. Stéphane Vasseur

Indications

  • Persistent subacromial impingement despite conservative treatment
  • Pain with elevation and positive impingement signs
  • Associated calcification or indicated bursectomy

Related pathology: Sub‑acromial impingement

Operative principle

Arthroscopic resection and smoothing of the aggressive part of the acromion, associated with bursectomy. May be combined with treatment of the rotator cuff.

Postoperative course and rehabilitation

  • Comfort sling for a few days
  • Early mobilization, range-of-motion recovery in 2–6 weeks
  • Progressive strengthening from 6 weeks

Risks

  • Stiffness, transient residual pain
  • Hematoma, infection (rare)

In practice

  • Hospitalization: Outpatient (ambulatory)
  • Anesthesia: General ± regional
  • Immobilization: Sling for comfort a few days
  • Physiotherapy: Progressive over 6–8 weeks