CT-guided subabcromial soft tissue decompression for impingement syndrome of the shoulder

CT-guided subacromial decompression using radiofrequency ablation was performed in local anesthesia in seven patients with impingement syndrome of the shoulder. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate safety of CT-guided subacromial decompression and its effect on shoulder pain. The patients reported a mean pain reduction of 77% after an average of 11 days post-treatment and a pain reduction of 68% after an average of 105 days after treatment when compared to baseline. There were no treatment emergent adverse events. The results of this pilot investigation indicate that CT-guided subacromial decompression using radiofrequency ablation is safe and effective. The advantages of CT-guided subacromial decompression are the minimally invasive approach in local anesthesia as outpatient therapy and the possibility of immediate mobilisation and rehabilitation. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.