Shoulder impingement syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a painful compression of the tissue under the acromion, which is part of the shoulder blade.

When you lift your arm, the humeral head moves upward and compresses the stabilising tendons and bursa against the acromion. The bursa can become irritated and thickened, which worsens the symptoms.

Nocturnal discomfort and radiation to the arm with tingling/pricking in the fingers may occur. The pain develops gradually and can arise without particular strain or injury. The condition most often occurs with hard physical work involving repetitive movements, but is also seen in tennis players and swimmers.

The cause of the impingement is often that the stabilising tendons and muscles lose their ability over time to keep the humeral head down in place. A bony spur (“beak”) can also form on the underside of the acromion, which can limit the space.

Symptoms

The following symptoms are common:

• Pain at the outer edge of the acromion when the arm is lifted upward and outward
• Pain on the outer side of the upper arm together with pain in the acromion
• Pain often occurs at night
• There may be tingling all the way to the fingers or pain up into the neck

The symptoms in the shoulder can vary greatly in intensity from time to time.

Examination

Through a clinical examination of the shoulder and your medical history, the orthopaedic surgeon can make the diagnosis with relative certainty, but supplementary medical imaging examination, such as ultrasound scanning and possibly MRI scanning, will often be necessary.

Treatment

As a rule, impingement syndrome will initially be treated with physiotherapy rehabilitation of the stabilising muscles for 2–3 months and possibly injection treatment, but in some cases this does not have sufficient effect, and surgery may be necessary. The operation is performed as day surgery and is carried out using keyhole technique.

Safe and rapid clarification

At CPH Privathospital we have specialists in shoulder surgery. They use only the most gentle techniques, which result in less pain after the operation, smaller scars, faster rehabilitation and better results. Contact us today for rapid clarification.

Our consultants are ready to help you, so you can quickly receive the correct diagnosis, whether you are a private payer, have health insurance or are referred through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant throughout the entire course of treatment.