[19] Subacromial Impingement Syndrome Flashcards
What does subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) refer to?
Inflammation and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons as they pass through the subacromial space
What does inflammation and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons as they pass through the subacromial space result in?
Pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion within the shoulder
What does SAIS encompass?
A range of pathologies, including rotator cuff tendinosis, subacromial bursitis, and calcific tendonitis
What do the pathologies leading to SAID all result in?
Attrition between the coracoacromial arch and the supraspinatus tendon or subacromial bursa
Who does SAIS most commonly occur in?
Patients under 25 years old, typically in active individuals or manual professions
What % of shoulder pain presentations are SAIS?
Around 60%
Where does the subacromial space lie?
Below the coracoacromial arch, and above the humeral head and greater tuberosity of the humerus
What does the coracoacromial arch consist of?
Acromion
Coracoacromial ligament (anterior to the acromioclavicular joint)
The coracoid process
What runs within the subacromial space?
The rotator cuff tendons
The long head of the biceps tendon
The coraco-acromial ligament
What are the structures running within the subacromial space all surrounded by?
The subacromial bursa
What is the function of the subacromial bursa?
It helps reduce friction between these structures
What can the underlying cause of SAIS be divided into?
Intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms
What do the intrinsic mechanisms of SAIS involve?
Pathologies of the rotator cuff tendons due to tension
What are the intrinsic mechanisms of SAIS?
Muscular weakness
Overuse of the shoulder
Degenerative tendinopathy
How can muscular weakness cause SAIS?
Weakness in the rotator cuff muscles can lead to muscular imbalances, resulting in the humerus shifting proximally towards the body
How can overuse of the shoulder cause SAIS?
Repetitive microtrauma can result in soft tissue inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons and the subacromial bursa, leading to friction between the tendons and coracoacromial arch
How can degenerative tendinopathy cause SAIS?
Degenerative changes of the acromion can lead to tearing of the rotator cuff, which allows for proximal migration of the humeral head
What do the extrinsic mechanisms of SAIS involve?
Pathologies of the rotator cuff tendons due to external compression
What are the extrinsic mechanisms of SAIS?
Anatomical factors
Scapular musculature
Glenohumeral instability
What anatomical factors can cause SAIS?
Congential or acquired anatomical variations in the shape and gradient of the acromion
How can the scapular musculature cause SAIS?
A reduction in function of the scapular muscles may result in reduction in size of subacromial space
Which scapular muscles in particular can a reduction in function of be important in the development of SAIS?
Serratus anterior and trapezius
What do the serratus anterior and trapezius normally do?
Allow the humerus to move past the acromion on overhead extension
How can glenohumeral instability cause SAIS?
Any abnormality of the glenohumeral joint or weakness in the rotator cuff muscles can lead to superior sublaxation of the humerus, causing increased contact between the acromion and subacromial tissues