Shoulder decompression - keyhole surgery at Cheltenham Hospital
- Overview
Shoulder decompression (or subacromial depression) is an operation to cleaning and repair damaged tendons around the upper arm and shoulder area.
The space between the top of your upper arm and the small bone attached to the top of your shoulder is called the acromial space. Sometimes repetitive overhead activities such as golf or reaching overhead cause swelling or irritation in this area. If conservative treatment for pain in your acromial area is not successful your consultant may recommend subacromial decompression.
What happens during subacromial decompression?
Subacromial decompression surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes about one hour. Most surgeons perform this procedure arthroscopically (key hole surgery).
Your surgeon will make several small incisions (cuts) around your shoulder area. A miniature telescope is inserted into the joint area providing full view via a monitor. Other surgical instruments are inserted to clean the area and repair any damaged tendons. Any wounds will be closed using stitches or steri-strips.
After subacromial decompression
Most patients are able to go home once the effects of general anaesthetic have worn off. Please be sure and arrange for someone to drive you home as you will not be able to drive until released to do so by your surgeon.
You will be given medication to help control any pain. Continue to take your medication as prescribed. Icing your shoulder may help ease any discomfort.
Your arm may be in a sling. This can usually be discarded 1-2 weeks after surgery. Physiotherapy will help you strengthen your shoulder muscles and increase range of motion.
It can take 6-9 months to fully recover from subacromial decompression. Be sure and discuss any return to work with your consultant.
Most people make a good recovery from subacromial decompression. As with any surgery there can be complications:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection of the surgical site
- Blood clot (deep vein thrombosis – DVT)
Specific complications of subacromial decompression may include:
- Persistent stiffness or pain
- Damage to shoulder blade or joint
- Nerve damage
- Fracture following surgery (rare)
Shoulder decompression - keyhole surgery consultants at Cheltenham Hospital
Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6SY
Guide price
| Initial consultation | from £200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostics | If needed to determine treatment plan | |
| Treatment | £5,910 | |
| Pre-assessment | Included | |
| Main treatment | Included | |
| Post-discharge care | Included | |
| Pre-assessment, Main treatment and Post-discharge care | £5,910 | |
| Guide price | £6,110 | |
The guide price
stated above is an approximation of the cost of treatment only. The final price
may vary according to Consultant fees, prosthesis or drugs used and any
pre-existing medical conditions which may alter your care pathway.
You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following
your initial consultation with a Consultant.
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