Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (also known as acromioplasty) is an operation on your shoulder which treats a condition called shoulder impingement, where you feel pain when you raise your arm. It’s usually done through keyhole surgery (arthroscopy). Shoulder impingement is a common type of shoulder pain caused by damage to the ‘rotator cuff’ which is a group of muscles that surround and support your shoulder. The tendons for these muscles lie in a narrow space between the top of your arm bone and the bone at the top of your shoulder blade. Shoulder impingement is the name given to the pain you feel if the tendons within this space become damaged.
The damage may be due to a number of causes, perhaps acting together. These may include:
- the shape of the bone at the top of your shoulder blade (the acromion), causing it to rub against your tendons
- your tendons becoming swollen or torn from overuse (for instance, doing sports) or ‘wear and tear’ as you get older
- getting bony growths (spurs) on the acromion as you get older.
Here at The Holly Private Hospital, we have a team of consultant orthopaedic surgeons who are experts in arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery (ASD). If you need surgery you can make an appointment to meet with one of our consultant surgeons. They will examine you and discuss the various treatment options available to you. If you do decide to go ahead with surgery, they’ll explain how to prepare for your procedure and will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your procedure, and the outcomes you can expect.
We offer an all-inclusive self-pay package with prices for arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery starting from £3,950 (terms and conditions apply).
For more information and eligibility criteria, speak to one of our self-pay advisors by calling
or alternatively complete the form below.
