Subacromial decompression is a form of arthroscopic shoulder surgery used to treat patients with chronic shoulder pain due to shoulder impingement or shoulder instability. This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and patients are fitted with a sling to protect the treated arm after surgery. Patients should talk with a doctor about subacromial decompression complications before undergoing this procedure.
Shoulder Stiffness
Tough, inflexible scar tissue can develop around the site of surgical treatment. If this occurs, patients can experience shoulder stiffness, also called frozen shoulder, as a complication of subacromial decompression, Liverpool Shoulder Clinic reports. Shoulder stiffness can significantly reduce a patient's range of motion and can make it difficult for him to lift or rotate the shoulder. Typically, patients begin physical therapy within a day or two of surgery to help restore normal movement to the shoulder and limit the risk of shoulder stiffness complications.
Nerve or Tendon Damage
Less than 1 percent of patients experience nerve or tendon damage as a complication of surgery, according to the Burton Clinic. Injury to the nerves surrounding the shoulder can cause sensations of numbness or weakness that extend from the shoulder down into the hand. Alternatively, tendon damage can lead to recurrent shoulder pain or difficulty moving the treated shoulder. Minor nerve damage typically resolves as a patient begins to heal from surgery. Patients who experience extensive nerve or tendon damage may require additional surgery to repair the site of injury.
Persistent Shoulder Pain
Subacromial decompression surgery is not successful for every patient. An estimated 20 percent of patients continue to experience chronic pain or other shoulder symptoms after undergoing this procedure, the Burton Clinic explains. Mild pain after shoulder surgery is normal and typically diminishes as the treated shoulder progressively heals. Patients who experience persistent or severe shoulder pain should seek care from a doctor.
Bleeding or Infection
Subacromial decompression, like all types of surgery, increases a patient's risk of developing bleeding or infection complications, the Liverpool Shoulder Clinic warns. Minor bleeding during or after surgery is normal, though patients who experience profuse or persistent blood loss following treatment should seek prompt medical care. An infection of the surgical site can cause symptoms of fever, incision site drainage, shoulder swelling, pain or redness. Patients who develop bleeding or infection complications require additional care from a medical professional.
