3D-assisted arthroscopic management of subacromial impingement: A clinical outcome study.

INTRODUCTION

The clinical value of three-dimensional (3D)-assisted planning in arthroscopic acromioplasty remains unclear, particularly regarding its ability to optimize subacromial decompression and improve clinically meaningful outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether 3D-assisted preoperative planning can improve radiologic parameters and functional outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for subacromial impingement syndrome.

STUDY

DESIGN

Descriptive observational study (combined retrospective and prospective).

METHODS

Fifty patients with subacromial impingement syndrome underwent arthroscopic acromioplasty with 3D-assisted preoperative planning. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the UCLA score. Radiologic parameters, including acromial index (AI), critical shoulder angle (CSA), lateral acromial angle (LAA), and acromiohumeral distance (AHD), were evaluated using static and dynamic 3D computed tomography preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, AI and CSA significantly decreased toward normal ranges, while LAA improved. Both static and dynamic AHD increased significantly, indicating enhanced subacromial space. The mean UCLA score improved from 21.54 ± 2.66 to 33.22 ± 1.75 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

3D-assisted arthroscopic acromioplasty was associated with significant improvements in both radiologic parameters and functional outcomes. The ability to evaluate subacromial space dynamically and localize impingement sites may facilitate more precise and individualized decompression, potentially enhancing surgical effectiveness.