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WHAT IS IT?
Subacromial impingement is the most common complaint concerning the shoulder joint. It is defined as an irritation of the tendons which compose the rotator cuff as they pass through the subacromial space.
CAUSES
Factors involved in injuries to rotator cuff tendons are as follows:
SYMPTOMS
Subacromial impingement is known to be insidious, progressive and mechanical. It does not occur all of a sudden but starts with a slight pain which can gradually lead to a functional lack of power and acute pain. It is a dull pain with a sensation of tiredness which appears at night. When the tissue is at rest the inflammation does not drain properly and for this reason the pain increases. The pain also increases as a result of excessive movement. The pain may also affect the elbow.
The pain may become more intense when raising one’s arms above one's head or when putting one’s arms behind one's back, for example in the movement to adjust a bra.
TREATMENT
Conservative treatment: First of all, this is treated with physiotherapy and pharmaceutical treatment (anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic medication, cortico-steroid injections, etc). Treatment with platelet-rich plasma, as part of conservative treatment, is also recommended as seen in the rotator cuff pathology.
Surgery: This may be necessary in the event that the symptoms persist and affect the patient's quality of life. This surgery essentially involves eliminating the mechanical factors causing the chafing (“acromioplasty” and often distal clavicle excision). Platelet-rich plasma is used in surgery injected directly into the rotator cuff (in order to improve the metabolism of the tendons) and into the subacromial space (with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects).