Arthroscopic subacromial surgery in inflammatory arthritis of the shoulder

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of shoulder arthroscopy, with predominantly subacromial surgery, in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Methods. Twelve patients with inflammatory arthropathy underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery with subacromial decompression. debridement, and limited synovectomy. All clinically had symptoms predominantly arising from the subacromial region. Results. In the final review, ten patients (83%) were satisfied with the result. Two year follow-up was achieved in 11 patients. Seven rated their recovery as good or excellent, one was fair, and three were poor. All three poor results had fairly advanced glenohumeral chondral damage. Conclusion. In patients with inflammatory arthropathy and shoulder pain which clinically appears related predominantly to the subacromial region, provided there is no major chondral damage, then a reasonable result can be expected with arthroscopic debridement and modified subacromial decompression.