Subcromial Decompression Surgeon
Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve throwing overhead? If so, you may be at risk of developing subacromial impingement. Subacromial decompression surgeon, Dr. James Mazzara provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities who have developed subacromial impingement. Contact Dr. Mazzara’s team today!
What is an Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression?
The acromion is part of your scapula (shoulder blade) it helps form your shoulder joint. Subacromial means “under the acromion” and decompression means to reduce pressure. In the shoulder, tendons are responsible for providing shoulder stability and the muscles are responsible for allowing the shoulder to rotate. The muscles travel underneath a portion of the scapula, known as the acromion, where they continue on to the humerus (arm bone.
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In certain patients, the bursal tissue (fluid filled sacs that help cushion movement) becomes inflamed and irritated. Patients who experience shoulder pain and weakness due to bursitis or impingement may be candidates for a special shoulder surgery called arthroscopic subacromial decompression. This surgery can be done by Dr. James Mazzara, serving the patients of Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities.
How is Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression Performed?
The goal of arthroscopic subacromial decompression is to increase the size of the subacromial area and reduce the pressure on the muscle. Dr. Mazzara does this surgery typically on an out-patient basis under regional or general anesthesia. Using arthroscopic instruments, Dr. Mazzara will make a small incision in the shoulder and remove the degenerative portions of the acromion along with the inflamed portion of the acromion. If bone spurs are found, they will also be removed which allows the tendon to heal.
How Long Does Subacromial Decompression Surgery Take?
Depending on the injury, age of patient and extent of damage, subacromial decompression typically takes about ten minutes. Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, so there will not be a larger scar, as with open surgery. When subacromial decompression is completed, Dr. Mazzara will close the incision with a suture. The affected area will then be dressed and a sling will be applied to keep the arm immobile.
How Long is the Recovery Time for Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression Surgery?
The majority of patients are able to return to their normal daily activities rather quickly after arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery. Active movement of the arm and shoulder may begin 1 -2 days after surgery. Average patients will have recovered all of their range of motion between 2-4 weeks. 75% improvement in seen in 3 months with full recovery in 3-6 months depending on the condition of the rotator cuff at the time of surgery. Most patients are able to return to their previous activities without pain.
If you suffer from shoulder bursitis, or impingement you may be a candidate for arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery. Please contact the orthopedic offices of Dr. James Mazzara, orthopedic shoulder surgeon in the Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities.