Arthroscopic treatment of impingement of the shoulder.

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is an alternative to open anterior acromioplasty in patients who have advanced stage II and selected stage III impingement syndromes. This procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting and postoperative morbidity is minimal; however, the procedure is technically demanding. Because the deltoid is not detached, immediate full range of active motion is possible, allowing an early return to activities of daily living. Substantial pain relief can be anticipated in a large majority of patients.