Subacromial impingement: open versus arthroscopic decompression.

An analysis of the follow-up results of 53 patients treated by an arthroscopic decompression (AD) and 53 patients treated by an open decompression (OD) is presented. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively with the UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale, which includes an assessment of pain, function, range of motion, strength, and patient satisfaction. After an average of 20.1 months for the AD group and 27.3 months for the OD group, good or excellent results were found in 83.1% in the AD group and in 81.1% in the OD group. Patient satisfaction was 88.3% (AD) compared with 94.3% (OD). Results of decompression in both groups were not influenced by associated pathologies (acromioclavicular degeneration, frozen shoulder, calcified tendinitis, rotator cuff lesions).