Shoulder Impingement

Impingement is a condition in which the rotator cuff tendons become repetitively pinched under the shelf of bone at the top of the shoulder called the acromion. The irritation leads to swelling of the tendon which worsens the pinching.  Many cases develop suddenly after increasing activity; others develop slowly over time as a result of degenerative changes around the shoulder.  Most patients describe a sharp pain in the upper/front part of the arm when lifting their arm out straight in front of them or with bending the elbow against resistance.  Motion is preserved, but painful.  Initial treatment includes activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication and corticosteroid injection.  If the condition persists I add physical therapy.  In refractory cases, I proceed with an MRI and occasionally surgery is required to repair the tendon using a procedure called biceps tenodesis. This is done as an outpatient procedure with minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.

Most patients recover quickly after surgery and are able to return to work within 2-3 weeks. Click on the link below to view my post-operative information packet.

Post op Shoulder Arthroscopy Instuctions