Open acromioplasty for acromion impingement syndrome combined with rotator cuff injury

Objective To evaluate open acromioplasty for treating acromion impingement syndrome combined with rotator cuff injury. Methods From March 2004 to August 2007, 20 cases of acromion impingement syndrome combined with rotator cuff injury were treated in our department. During open acromioplasty, we repaired the rotator cuff, and reconstructed the insertion site with anchor screws for patients who had been diagnosed as complete rupture of superspinatus tendon. Postoperative rehabilitation program was conducted and all patients were followed up at our outpatient clinic. ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) scoring system was used to assess the outcome of the patients. Results Eighteen patients were followed up regularly for an average of 11 (6 to 13)months. The mean ASES score was 90. 5 postoperatively. A significant difference was found between the preoperative and postoperative ASES scores in this group (t= 13.865, P<0.01). Conclusion Open acromioplasty can achieve good outcome in treatment of acromion impingement syndrome combined with rotator cuff injury, and can be carried out by primary hospitals. Key words: Shoulder impingement syndrome;  Acromion;  Rotator cuff;  Acromioplasty