Surgery for Shoulder Impingement

For most people, nonsurgical treatments are enough to ease shoulder impingement symptoms. But if these treatments haven’t worked, surgery may be a choice. Surgery can help free up the joint space, allowing pain-free motion. Talk with your doctor to see if surgery is right for you.

The type of surgery you have depends on your shoulder problem. Surgery can remove the bursa if it is swollen. If the coracoacromial ligament is tight, it may be released. If the acromion is hooked or has bone spurs, a part of it may be taken out. Before surgery, you'll be given medicine to keep you free from pain. There are two different types of surgery. These are:

• Arthroscopy. Small cuts (incisions) are made in the shoulder. Next, a small, lighted tool (arthroscope) is inserted. A tiny camera is attached on one end of the arthroscope. The camera sends images to a video screen. This lets the surgeon see inside the shoulder.
• Open surgery. Incisions are made in the shoulder so the surgeon can work inside.

Your doctor will talk with you about the possible risks and complications of the procedure. These may include:

• Infection
• Damage to nerves or blood vessels
• Loss of flexibility
• Symptoms that don't completely go away