Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression for Advanced Impingement Syndrome: Five Year Follow-Up
Authors: F van Glabbeek et al.
References: Presented at AAOS 2004
Abstract
This study suggests that function and comfort after arthroscopic subacromial decompression for impingementsyndrome may still improve up to 5-years postoperatively.
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of the long-term functional outcome after arthroscopic decompression for stage II disease.
METHODS A prospective study was performed in 52 patients (average age 52 years (23-73)) with an arthroscopically visualized impingement syndrome. The average duration of symptoms was 18 months (3-84). Acromial shape was noted to be Bigliani type I in 12, type II in 32 and type III in 8. Acromioplasty was performed. Patients were scored preoperatively, at 6 months and 5 years postoperatively, according to the ASES and the Constant–Murley scores. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed ranks test was used to evaluate the evolution of these scores in time.
RESULTS The average Constant score improved from 76.4 to 84.9 (p< 0.001). The mean values (±Standard Error) of the individual components of the Constant score all increased between 6 months and 5 years postoperatively. Pain: 9.4±0.5 to 12.6±0.7 (p<0.001). ADL: 15.9±0.3 to 17.6±0.5 (p<0.001), ROM: 35.5±0.6 to 37.1±0.8 (p=0.003) and Strength: 12.9±0.6 to 17.4±0.8 (p<0.001). The ASES score improved from 76.3±2.2 to 86.4±2.5. The ASES score for pain improved from 2.8±0.3 to 1.2±0.3 (p<0.001). The score for ADL improved from 23.1 ± 0.7 to 25.9±1.0 (p<0.001).
DISCUSSION This study shows that the majority of patients had satisfactory improvement and relief of symptoms 5 years after arthroscopic subacromial decompression for advanced impingementsyndrome. In conclusion, this study suggests that function and comfort after arthroscopic subacromial decompression for advanced impingementsyndrome may still increase from 6 months up to 5 years postoperatively.
