[Subacromial denervation as a treatment modality for patients with subacromial pathology].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the presented study was to valuate the question whether subacromial denervation alone is sufficient in patients with subacromial pathology.


METHODS
20 patients (male: 7; female 13) with subacromial pathology without anterior acomionosteophytes, rotator cuff tear, calcific tendinitis or ac-joint pathology underwent endoscopically controlled subacromial denervation. The procedure was performed with an HF device. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months with the Constant score.


RESULTS
The preoperative Constant score was 59 +/- 18. Postoperatively the Constant score increased to 78 +/- 18 after 6 weeks, up to 83 +/- 5 after 3 months and up to 85 +/- 13 after 6 months. There was no difference between male and female patients nor between patients with different profession or athletic activity. We could not document any complication. Patients returned to work within 6 weeks after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients without anterior acromion osteophytes and without rotator cuff tear may get good results with subacromial denervation alone and may not need acrornioplasty.
Jerosch
J
J
Klinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Johanna-Etienne-Krankenhaus, Neuss.
D001182:Arthroscopy; D003714:Denervation / Q000379:methods*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*