Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Evan H Horowitz; William R Aibinder

doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2022.12.001

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2023 May;34(2):311-334. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2022.12.001. Epub 2023 Feb 26.

Authors

Evan H Horowitz¹, William R Aibinder²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 30, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/EvanHorowitzMD.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA. Electronic address: Waibinde@med.umich.edu.

PMID: 37003655
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2022.12.001

Abstract

Shoulder impingement is the most common diagnosis for shoulder pain. Shoulder impingement syndrome has been scrutinized as a misleading "umbrella" term, due to its vague and nonspecific context. It is better subcategorized into subacromial, internal, and subcoracoid impingement. The evaluation and treatment algorithm for each is grossly similar. A thorough history, focused physical examination, and standard radiographs are the first steps. Advanced imaging with MRI or ultrasound may be useful. The mainstay of treatment includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections. Surgical treatment is reserved for refractory cases, and includes decompression, debridement, and/or repair of injured structures.

Keywords: Acromion; Bursitis; Impingement; Rotator cuff; Shoulder; Subacromial; Subcoracoid.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Radiography
Rotator Cuff / surgery
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome* / diagnostic imaging
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome* / therapy
Shoulder Pain / surgery