CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Shoulder decompression surgery
ARTHOSCOPIC SUBACROMIAL DECOMPRESSION (ACROMIOPLASTY)
An arthroscopic or keyhole operation to treat pain related to shoulder impingement and improve your range of movement
What is shoulder impingement?
Shoulder pain is often caused by rotator cuff impingement. This means that your rotator cuff tendon is pinched or rubbed by the bones in your shoulder.
Subacromial decompression is a surgical procedure to remove excess bone and increase the space between the tendons and the acromion (point of the shoulder blade).
Need to know
Subacromal decompression is usually done as an arthroscopic (keyhole) procedure using general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a few small cuts on your shoulder, allowing them to insert a tiny surgical camera called an arthroscope.
The arthroscope helps them to see inside your shoulder joint, while they use specialised surgical instruments to shave away excess bone (bone spur) and repair tendon damage.
Your surgeon may also need to remove a small portion of bone where your shoulder and collarbone meet (distal clavicle). The whole procedure takes around an hour.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They will let you know how to prepare, including how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You should be able to go home the same day as your procedure. You'll need to wear the sling for a few days afterwards to help stabilise your shoulder as it heals. It can take several months to make a full recovery.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and how to care for your shoulder. They'll give you advice on pain management and let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.
They may also recommend physiotherapy exercises to help you improve your flexibility and regain strength in your shoulder.
Our Shoulder decompression surgery locations
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.