DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i04.033

Pages: 1535-1538

Introduction: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is an alternative to open acromioplasty, described by Neer in 1972. It combines a resection of the anterolateral beak of the acromion with a section of the coracoacromial ligament. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we report the experience of the department of orthopaedic surgery and traumatology II of the Mohamed V Military Hospital of Rabat, in the treatment of the chronic sub-acromial impingement by arthroscopic subacromial decompression on 27 cases collected between January 2012 and September 2017. This study involved 17 women and 10 men with an average age of 52 years. We recorded a type 2 acromion according to Bigliani and Morrison's classification en 63% of patients and a type 3 acromion in the rest of patients. All our patients have had arthroscopic subacromial decompression. To evaluate our patients we used the U.C.L.A. (University of California at Los Angeles) score. Results: The results were satisfactory (very good and good) in 80% of cases. The average U.C.L.A. score was 30.5 post-operatively while it was 11.5 preoperatively. Conclusion: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is indicated mainly in previous painful conflicts after medical treatment failure. The advantages of arthroscopy are the absence of disinsertion of anterior deltoid fibres and scars associated with the possibility of joint exploration.