When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, impingement shoulder surgery, known as subacromial decompression, may be recommended. The primary goal of this procedure is to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa, thereby relieving the painful "pinching" or impingement. The surgery is highly effective at treating the persistent pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion caused by these conditions.

By removing the inflamed bursal tissue and, in some cases, shaving down a small portion of the acromion bone to open up the space, the surgery directly addresses the mechanical cause of the problem. This not only alleviates the current shoulder bursitis symptoms but also helps to prevent future damage to the rotator cuff tendons. The result is a significant reduction in pain, improved ability to perform overhead activities, and better sleep for patients who were previously unable to lie on their affected side. It is a definitive step toward restoring normal, pain-free shoulder function.

Your first appointment at Buffalo Orthopedics will most likely be a direct, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Parentis. He believes in building real relationships with his patients, so he starts by listening. You will have the opportunity to describe your shoulder pain, when it started, what activities make it worse, and what treatments you have already tried. He will take a comprehensive medical history to understand your overall health and goals for recovery.

Next, Dr. Parentis will perform a thorough physical examination of your shoulder, assessing your range of motion, strength, and performing specific tests to identify impingement. To get a complete picture of the joint and rule out other issues like arthritis or a rotator cuff tear, he may order imaging such as X-rays or an MRI. Once all the information is gathered, he will sit down with you to explain the diagnosis in clear, easy-to-understand terms. He will discuss all your options, from continued conservative care to shoulder bursitis surgery, ensuring you are a fully informed partner in your healthcare decisions.

Shoulder impingement surgery (subacromial decompression) is a very common and safe orthopedic procedure, especially when performed by a specialist with extensive experience like Dr. Parentis. His fellowship training in sports medicine gives him the advanced skill set required to perform this surgery with precision, typically using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. This involves making a few small incisions, which reduces tissue damage, minimizes scarring, and leads to a faster recovery.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection, stiffness (frozen shoulder), or nerve injury, but these are uncommon. Dr. Parentis will discuss all potential risks with you during your pre-operative consultation, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in your decision. His commitment to personalized, patient-focused care means he follows strict safety protocols and will personally monitor your recovery to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

The main difference between impingement shoulder surgery and other treatment options is that surgery provides a structural solution to a mechanical problem. Conservative bursitis treatment, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections, aims to reduce inflammation and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder to improve mechanics. These methods are often the first line of defense and can be very effective for many patients.

However, when the pain persists because there simply is not enough space in the shoulder joint, or if a bone spur on the acromion is causing the rubbing, conservative treatments may only provide temporary relief. Surgery is different because it physically creates more room in the joint by removing the inflamed bursa and shaving down any problematic bone. This permanently resolves the impingement, offering a long-term solution rather than just managing the symptoms. Dr. Parentis will help you determine when it is appropriate to move from management to a definitive surgical correction.

Recovery after arthroscopic shoulder decompression is typically much faster than after traditional open surgery. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients go home the same day. You will likely wear a sling for comfort for a short period, but you will be encouraged to start gentle range-of-motion exercises almost immediately to prevent stiffness.

Pain and swelling are managed with medication and ice. Physical therapy is a crucial component of recovery and usually begins within the first week or two after surgery. The focus is on restoring your motion and then gradually rebuilding strength. Most patients can return to light daily activities within a couple of weeks and desk work even sooner. A return to more strenuous activities and heavy lifting generally takes anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your individual progress. Dr. Parentis will help to guide you through the entire rehabilitation process.