Impingement Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
When would a patient with impingement syndrome complain of pain
A
On abduction of the arm ‘Painful arc’ from 60-120 degrees
2
Q
What is the cause of impingement syndrome
A
Repetitive rubbing of rotator cuff tendons under the coracoacromial arch causing inflammation
3
Q
What forms the roof of the coracoacromial arch
A
Coracoacromial ligament
4
Q
Where does the coracoacromial ligament run
A
Between the coracoid process anteriorly and the anterior 1/3 of the acromion posteriorly
5
Q
What are some contributing factors to impingement
A
Anything that causes further narrowing of the subacromial space:-
- Bone
- Osteoarthritic thickening of ACJ
- Osteophytes on the anterior edge of the acromion
- Tendon
- Rotator cuff swelling (in inflammatory disorders such as gout or RA)
- Bursa
- Subacromial bursitis (in inflammatory disorders such as gout or RA)
6
Q
How do you treat impingement syndrome
A
Non-surgical:-
- Eliminate aggravating activity/avoid ‘impingement position’
- Phsyiotherapy
- Short courses of analgesia eg. NSAIDs
- Subacromial corticosteroid injections for pain relief
Surgical:-
- Open or arthroscopic subacromial decompression
7
Q
What is the ‘impingement position’
A
Abduction, slight flexion and internal rotation
