What is Sub-Acromial Decompression

A continuous dull ache, which is often worse at night, is usually located over the lateral aspect of the shoulder joint and may extend someway down the side of the arm even as far as the elbow. Often it does not appear to be coming from the joint at all.

Sharp pain on lifting the arm is felt just below the acromion (the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder). The pain usually starts when the arm reaches horizontal and eases off if the arm can be brought all the way to vertical. This is the so-called "painful arc".

The Operation

The gleno-humeral (shoulder) joint will be inspected first followed by the subacromial bursa and the rotator cuff. A soft tissue-shaving device will be used to clear any scar tissue away. A bone-shaving device will be used to shape the underside of the acromion (the bone at the top of the shoulder) and remove any excess bone.