Long-term results after resection of the coracoacromial ligament for shoulder impingement in athletes

The impingement syndrome with shoulder pain is a well known problem in many sports, such as swimming. Anterior acromioplasty or only resection of the coracoacromial ligament have been used for the patients who do not respond to noninvasive therapy. In this retrospective study, the long-term results after resection of the coracoacromial ligament were evaluated. Of 30 operated patients, 25 were examined on average 4 years after surgery. Almost all were active athletes at the elite professional level (national team) or the league competitive level. Their mean age was 23 years at the time of the operation and the dominant symptom was shoulder pain on effort. At follow-up 21 (84%) were judged as excellent or good and 4 (16%) as fair or poor. Resection of the coracoacromial ligament without acromioplasty is a simple surgical procedure and a useful solution to an otherwise therapy-resistant impingement shoulder pain in athletes.