Article

Although arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) is a common
procedure for treatment of shoulder impingement, few long term results have been
published. In this prospective study, we determined whether the high degree of
patient satisfaction at 6 months postoperatively reported by us earlier remained
at the 6-year follow-up. METHODS: We originally reported high
patient satisfaction 6 months after ASD for shoulder impingement in 50
prospectively studied patients using the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand
questionnaire (DASH) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients with associated
shoulder disorders were excluded. The surgeons were experienced shoulder
arthroscopists. 6 years after surgery, the DASH questionnaire and the VAS were
sent to these 50 patients. 2 patients had other medical problems of the upper
extremity that affected the DASH and VAS scores, 1 patient was lost to follow-up,
and another refused to participate. Thus, 46 patients with a mean age of 55
(33-78) years were included in this 6-year evaluation.
RESULTS: The considerable
improvement in both the DASH score and the VAS that was observed 6 months after
surgery persisted or had even improved 6 years after surgery. INTERPRETATION:
Properly selected patients with shoulder impingement treated with ASD remain
satisfied 6 years after surgery.

Langue : ANGLAIS