DPT 5010: Subacromial Pain Syndrome "SAPS" (For Exam 3)

Question 1

SAPS may include one or more of the following

Answer 1

-Subacromial bursitis
-Impingement- primary (subacromial), internal, or coracoid
-Impingement w/ instability (secondary)
-Biceps tendinitis (Long Head)
-Tendinitis/ tendinosis/ tendinopathy
-Calcific tendinitis
-RC Tears- small defect to full tear- “critical zone” of
decreased vascularity
-Superior Labral tears (SLAP)

Question 2

Note on referred pain (C5 & C6)

Where is brain best at interpreting pain?

Answer 2

C5 and C6 innervate RC, joint capsule, and bursa.

Irritation of these can cause referred pain in region of deltoid tuberosity- majority of pain is referred here. (usually referring from subacromial space).

Brain best interprets superficial tissue pain (that’s why pain is referred to these areas).

Question 3

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS)

Answer 3

Recurrent microtrauma to RC and assoc. tissues occur because of narrowing of subacromial space.

Question 4

SAIS Compression occurs between humeral head and one of the following…

Answer 4

Anterior 1/3 acromion process (normal space 7-14mm)
Coracoacromial ligament (CA)
Inferior part of AC joint
Coracoid process