Subacromial Decompression Surgery: Long-Term Results

Subacromial decompression surgery for subacromial pain syndrome (see Figure 1) continues to be recommended and performed in high volume, despite negative results from several trials. Now, a randomized trial from Finland reports 10-year results following its negative 2- and 5-year results.

The trial involved 210 adults (mean age, 51) who had subacromial pain and impingement for more than 3 months, MRI to exclude other conditions, and inadequate response to nonoperative treatments. All participants were initially randomized to exercise therapy (15 sessions of structured physical therapy) or to arthroscopic shoulder surgery, during which they were randomized a second time to either decompression or a sham procedure.