Subacromial denervation as a treatment modality for patients with subacromial pathology

PURPOSE: The purpose of the presented study was to valuate the question whether subacromial denervation alone is sufficient in patients with subacromial pathology. MATERIAL AND 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. CONCLUSION: Patients without anterior acromion osteophytes and without rotator cuff tear may get good results with subacromial denervation alone and may not need acrornioplasty.