Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Impingement Syndrome

• One of the most common causes of pain in the adult shoulder
• It results from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula) as the arm is lifted
• The rotator cuff is a tendon linking four muscles: the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus, the subscapularis, and the teres minor
• These muscles cover the "ball" of the shoulder (head of the humerus)
• The muscles work together to lift and rotate the shoulder

Shoulder Impingement

• The acromion is the front edge of the shoulder blade
• It sits over and in front of the humeral head
• As the arm is lifted, the acromion rubs, or "impinges" on, the surface of the rotator cuff
• This causes pain and limits movement

Symptoms of Impingement

• Symptoms usually start gradually, in the top-outer portion of the shoulder
• There may be mild pain all the time, with sudden pain when reaching overhead and pain when lowering the arm from an overhead position
• There may be weakness of the shoulder
• If not treated, the condition may worsen

Investigations

• Plain X-rays
  • Hooked acromion
• MRI Scans

Treatment

• Physiotherapy – cuff strengthening
• Oral pain medications
• Steroid injection
• If failed conservative treatment – consider arthroscopic surgery

Please note that the information contained herein is for general medical information only.
If you have any specific medical condition or queries, please consult your medical doctor.