Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome
![Impingement](images/impingment1.png)
![Impingement](images/impingment4.jpg)
![Impingement](images/impingment5.png)
Rotator Cuff Impingement
The top tendon of the rotator cuff (supraspinatus) travels in a tight space underneath a portion of the shoulder blade called the acromion. A bursal sac sits underneath the acromion to help “lubricate” the rotator cuff tendon.
With time or overuse, the rotator cuff can become inflamed resulting in a rotator cuff tendonitis. The bursal sac will become inflamed at the same time resulting in bursitis. This is often called rotator cuff syndrome or impingement syndrome
![Impingement](images/impingment3.png)
Non-operative Treatment
Fortunately, most cases of impingement syndrome can improve with a combination of activity modifications, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections. However, in cases where improvement is not seen, further investigation is often required. In some cases, surgery is considered.
Operative Treatment
![Impingement](images/PubAdvArthroAsad2-1-10.jpg)
The surgical treatment of impingement syndrome typically consists of an arthroscopic procedure to clean (debride) the inflammation and remove the source of impingement (subacromial spur).