Subacromial Decompression Surgery in Ludhiana, Punjab
Arthroscopic Treatment for Shoulder Impingement & Acromial Spur
Persistent shoulder pain when lifting your arm overhead may be caused by shoulder impingement. At Eva Hospital, arthroscopic subacromial decompression is considered when non-surgical treatment has not relieved symptoms. Results vary from patient to patient. Helping patients return to work, sports and everyday activities with less pain.
What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement happens when soft tissues inside the shoulder — mainly the rotator cuff tendons and a small fluid-filled cushion called the bursa — become irritated and inflamed as they repeatedly rub against the underside of a bone called the acromion.
Between the top of the arm bone (humeral head) and the acromion sits a narrow space called the subacromial space. The rotator cuff and bursa pass through this space every time you lift your arm. When that space becomes too tight, or the tissues within it swell, every overhead movement causes friction, irritation and pain.
It’s important to understand this is not just a “bone spur” problem. Impingement usually involves a combination of factors — inflammation of the bursa, degeneration or swelling of the rotator cuff tendons, and sometimes (though not always) a curved or spurred acromion — all narrowing that same small space and causing repeated rubbing with movement.
Pain develops because these irritated tissues become increasingly sensitive, so the same overhead movements that were once effortless become progressively more painful.
Normal Shoulder vs Impingement Shoulder
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
Reaching overhead
Wearing a shirt
Combing hair
Lifting a suitcase
Sleeping on the affected shoulder
Gym exercises
Throwing sports
Common Causes
Curved Acromion
Acromial Spur
Bursitis
Repetitive Overhead Work
Sports
Rotator Cuff Degeneration
Poor Posture
Shoulder Instability
Muscle Imbalance
Is Surgery Always Needed?
Most patients improve without surgery
When Do We Recommend Surgery?
Persistent pain
Supportive MRI findings
Pain affecting work
Failed physiotherapy
Night pain
Sports limitation
Clinical impingement on examination
Rotator cuff involvement
What Happens During Arthroscopic Surgery?
Camera Enters Shoulder
A small arthroscope is introduced through a keyhole incision to provide a clear view inside the shoulder.
Inspection
The subacromial space, bursa and surrounding structures are carefully examined directly using the arthroscope.
Assessment of Cuff
The rotator cuff tendons are assessed for inflammation, degeneration, partial damage or a complete tear.
Bursectomy
Inflamed or excess bursal tissue may be removed to reduce irritation and create more space around the tendons.
Removal of Spur
A bone spur may be removed when it is contributing to mechanical impingement or irritation of the rotator cuff.
Acromioplasty
The acromion may be reshaped when clinically indicated. It is not performed routinely in every shoulder procedure.
Rotator Cuff Repair
If a repairable rotator cuff tear is identified, the tendon can be repaired during the same surgical procedure.
Does Every Patient Need Bone Removal?
Some Require Acromioplasty
Some Require Cuff Repair
Treatment Is Individualized
Recovery Timeline
Medication, ice and rest help manage pain and swelling during the first day after surgery.
Gentle, guided movement begins under professional supervision while protecting the healing shoulder.
Many everyday, non-strenuous activities gradually become manageable as movement and comfort improve.
A structured strengthening programme is introduced to improve shoulder stability, control and function.
Return to sport is guided by strength, functional recovery and the physical demands of the individual sport.
Physiotherapy
Range of Motion
Scapular Control
Rotator Cuff Strengthening
Posture Correction
Stretching
Return to Sports
Facilities and Services
ECHS empanelled
Sports injury expertise
Structured rehabilitation
Individualized treatment
NABH accredited hospital (Certificate No. SHCO-2019-0201)
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery available
Arthroscopy equipment available
Treatment options, including non-surgical care, are explained before any decision is made
Our Doctor
Details of registered medical practitioners at Eva Hospital, Ludhiana, provided for patient information.
Dr. Tanveer Bhutani
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Qualifications
- MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), M.Ch (Orthopaedics) (UK)
- Department
- Orthopaedics
- Registration status
- Registered
- Registration No. (NMR/SMR)
- [ENTER NMR / SMR NUMBER]
- Registered with
- [ENTER STATE MEDICAL COUNCIL NAME]
- Availability
- [ENTER OPD DAYS AND TIMINGS]
Registration can be verified on the NMC website.
Related Shoulder Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons and bursa become irritated as they repeatedly rub against the underside of the acromion within the narrow subacromial space, typically during overhead movement.
No. Impingement causes pain with specific movements, especially overhead, while range of motion is generally preserved. Frozen shoulder causes global stiffness restricting movement in every direction, including when an examiner moves the arm.
Postoperative discomfort is expected and is managed with pain medication. Experience varies between patients.
No. Most patients improve with physiotherapy, activity modification, medication, injections and strengthening exercises. Surgery is considered only after an adequate trial of conservative treatment has failed.
Postoperative discomfort is expected and managed with pain medication; most patients find the discomfort manageable and improving within the first couple of weeks.
This depends on what was found and treated during surgery — a decompression alone typically recovers faster than a decompression combined with a rotator cuff repair, which requires a longer, more protected timeline.
Driving should resume only once you have regained enough painless movement and control to operate a vehicle safely.
Painful When You Lift Your Arm Overhead?
Consult the Orthopaedics Department at Eva Hospital, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana, for an assessment of whether physiotherapy or surgery is suitable for your shoulder.