The most common condition called Shoulder impingement syndrome is mainly seen in adults at their old age. The condition is closely associated with rotator cuff tendinitis & shoulder bursitis. These conditions either may occur alone or jointly.
A group of muscles and tendons that attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder is called a rotator cuff. It helps in lifting and rotating the arm. The rotator cuff is located under the top of the shoulder called Acromion.
If a person suffers from shoulder impingement, the rotator cuff catches/rubs against the acromion. While lifting the arm, the space between the rotator cuff and acromion narrows that simultaneously increases pressure. This elevated pressure inflames the rotator cuff, leads to impingement.
Symptoms of impingement syndrome:
- Experiencing a sudden sharp pain in the shoulder when lifting the arm overhead or backward.
- Dull and constant pain in the arm
- Pain radiates from front of the shoulder to the side of the arm
- Pain gets worse at night times
- Arm or shoulder weakness
- Shoulder impingement is diagnosed with the physical examination.
- Ultrasound will support to show the rotator cuff injury.
- MRI scan may be recommended to see the exact problem
Impingement syndrome treatment
The prime goal of the treatment is to reduce pain and bring back the shoulder function. However, the treatment is planned based on the patient’s age, general health etc. Generally, the patient is advised for non-surgical treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome.Rest: The doctor will advise the patient to take a complete rest by avoiding heavy activities like lifting the weight, giving strenuous work to hand etc.
NSAIDs: The patient will be advised on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain, stiffness.
Physiotherapy: The physiotherapist as per the doctor’s advice will teach mild exercises for shoulders to restore its activity and strengthen muscles.
Steroid injection: Cortisone injection is administered to the patient into the bursa beneath the acromion to relieve pain.
Stem Cell Treatment: Stem cells, extracted from high density-area is harvested and injected into the infected area, and they automatically transform into the damaged cells and heals naturally.
The prime goal of an arthroscopic shoulder surgery is to create an adequate space for the rotator cuff. By removing the inflamed portion of the bursa, space is acquired. Sometimes, a part of acromion also removed which is called as Anterior acromioplasty.
A fluid is injected into the patient’s shoulder to inflate the joint to view the inside clearly. Few incisions are made around the shoulder and with the help of a small camera called “Arthroscope” and other surgical instruments the procedure is performed. With the support of arthroscope, the surgeon will handle the instruments to remove the defected areas.
Dr. Banarji B.H is an ace surgeon in Arthroscopic shoulder surgery in Bangalore who is specialized in sports medicine and arthroscopy.
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