Subacromial impingement syndrome: Review article

Introduction The subacromial impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain; it involves the soft tissue compromising the subacromial space. Impingement arises from mechanical compression of the rotator cuff centred primarily on the supraspinatus tendon insertion onto the greater tuberosity against the undersurface of the anterior edge of the acromion. The aetiology of this condition has been debated over the last few decades. Nevertheless, nowadays, many authors consider that this condition is multifactorial. Management includes physical therapy, injections and surgery in some selected patients. This article aims to provide an overview of the nature and pathogenesis of subacromial impingement syndromes, the widely accepted management modalities and the efficiency of the surgical intervention based on other studies. Conclusion We recommend arthroscopic subacromial decompression as it has less surgical morbidities and it allows direct evaluation of the glenohumeral joint and the integrity of the rotator cuff. Subacromial impingement syndrome: review article