Subacromial Decompression & Acromioplasty
Arthroscopic removal of bone spurs and reshaping of the acromion to enlarge the subacromial space — relieving shoulder impingement pain and protecting the rotator cuff from ongoing mechanical damage.
What is Subacromial Decompression & Acromioplasty?
Subacromial impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons — particularly the supraspinatus — are compressed between the humeral head and the undersurface of the acromion during shoulder elevation. Over time this causes tendon inflammation, partial tearing, and significant pain with overhead activity. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression removes the inflamed subacromial bursa, eliminates bone spurs from the acromion, and reshapes its undersurface (acromioplasty) to create more space for the rotator cuff to move freely. It is frequently combined with rotator cuff repair when a tear is present alongside impingement.
How the Procedure Works
Diagnostic Arthroscopy
The glenohumeral joint and subacromial space are inspected; the degree of bursitis, bone spur size, and rotator cuff status are assessed.
Subacromial Bursectomy
Inflamed and thickened subacromial bursa is removed with a motorised shaver — immediately improving visualisation and reducing inflammation.
Bone Spur Removal
Identified bone spurs on the anterior and inferior acromion are removed with a motorised burr under direct arthroscopic vision.
Acromioplasty
If indicated, the acromion is reshaped from a hooked Type III to a smooth, flat Type I profile — maximising subacromial clearance for the rotator cuff.
Recovery
Arm in a sling for 1–2 weeks; physiotherapy begins at week one; most patients return to full activity within 4–8 weeks.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Eliminates the mechanical impingement that was inflaming the rotator cuff tendons
- →Day-care procedure — home the same day in most cases
- →Very short recovery compared to open shoulder surgery
- →Can be combined with rotator cuff repair in the same sitting
- →Prevents progression from tendinitis to full-thickness tear
- →Excellent results in correctly selected patients
"Subacromial decompression is one of the most satisfying quick-win procedures in shoulder surgery. A patient who has struggled with overhead shoulder pain for months comes in for a 30-minute day-case procedure and is back to normal activity within weeks. Selecting the right patients makes all the difference."
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.