Abstract
Introduction
Health Economists in Denmark have recently reported low and delayed return to work for patients treated for Sub-Acromial Impingement syndrome (SAIS) by Arthroscopic Sub-Acromial Decompression (ASAD). Surgeons however are reporting that patients achieve good pain relief and a high standard of activities of daily living (ADL) after surgery.
Aim
To evaluate the effectiveness of ASAD for patients with SAIS and correlate clinical outcome with rate of return to work.
Methods
Prospective cohort study and retrospective review of data from the Nottingham Shoulder database (presentation: 01/04/2008–30/06/2011). Inclusion criteria: Patients diagnosed clinically with SAIS by an experienced shoulder surgeon, who have failed conservative treatment (physiotherapy and sub-acromial injection), undergoing ASAD. Pre-operative and 6-month follow-up Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and Constant Score (CS) were compared. The rates of return to pre-operative level of work were also analysed. Statistical analysis: Wilcoxon signed rank test.
Results
73 patients with OSS (51 also with CS documentation) were included. The improvement in median OSS between pre-operative (24) and 6-month follow-up (39) was +15 (Z = −6.726, ∗∗∗, T=6, r=0.55). The difference in median CS between pre-operative (39) and 6-month follow-up (67) was +28 (Z=−5.435, T=6, r=0.59, ∗∗∗). Improvement in median pain score was +5 (7,12, ∗∗∗) median ADL was +5.5 (10.5,16, ∗∗∗) median ROM was +13 (18,31, ∗∗∗) and median strength was +4 (3,7, ∗∗∗). 76% returned to their pre-operative level of work (mean time = 11.5 weeks post surgery). 79% returned to their pre-operative hobbies (mean time = 11.8 weeks post surgery).
Conclusion
There is a significant improvement in OSS and CS, 6 months after ASAD in patients with SAIS who have had previous failed conservative treatment. The rate of return to work was good for these patients in contrast to that reported for Danish patients.
(∗∗∗ = p< 0.0001 = Highly statistically significant)
