Subacromial Bursectomy

A shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a few small incisions (roughly 0.5 inch each) around the shoulder joint. These small portals allow a camera to enter the joint for visualization of the internal structures of the shoulder, as well as tools to repair any injuries. With a subacromial bursectomy, a shaver removes the bursa sac under the acromion. If a subacromial spur is present, this is also removed with a device called a burr.

• This surgery is most often performed under general anesthesia with a nerve block, but can be performed with a nerve block and sedation.
• This surgery is usually outpatient, which means the patient will be able to go home the same day.
• The surgery typically lasts 1.5 hours.
• Patient will be fit for a sling at an appointment in clinic before surgery and will need to bring the sling to surgery.
• The incisions will be closed with absorbable suture with dressings that can usually be removed 2-3 days after surgery.
• The sling will be placed on the patient prior to waking up from anesthesia.

• Decreases shoulder pain that was caused by the inflammation
• Restores shoulder range of motion and function
• Regain shoulder strength
• Return to work, sport, and activities with confidence

• Patients with persistent pain and dysfunction that fail conservative treatment of anti-inflammatories, steroid injection, and formal physical therapy

Recovery following a subacromial bursectomy is generally fairly simple. Most often, patients will be placed in a sling for 2 weeks after surgery and then may wear it for comfort after that. They are able to increase shoulder range of motion as tolerated 2 weeks after surgery. Physical therapy will be prescribed to help restore shoulder range of motion and strength. Physical therapists follow a protocol that Dr. Faulkner outlined himself. Physical therapy and home exercises are a critical part to a patient’s outcomes and quality of life after surgery. The patient should expect to continue to improve with range of motion and strength up to 6 months after surgery, with most of the gains occurring within the 3 months. The patient should plan on being seen in clinic about every 6 weeks for 3-4 months after the surgery for close monitoring and to ensure any questions are answered.