Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Disease Management: Current Role of the Acromioplasty

Abstract

Acromioplasty is a well-described surgical step used for a variety of rotator cuff pathologies. Although its incidence has increased greatly in last years, its role in rotator cuff surgery has been debated. In this review the recent evidence available at this respect is exposed. There is increasing number of published reports examining the role of acromioplasty in the treatment of rotator cuff disease. Evidence does not support the routine use of acromioplasty in the treatment of the impignement syndrome and rotator cuff repairs, on the basis of multiple well-designed studies suggesting acromioplasty providing no benefits in terms of pain relief, function or quality of life.