Impingement Syndrome
Impingement Syndrome
Impingement Syndrome
• Definition
Impingement syndrome also called painful arc
syndrome, supraspinatus syndrome, swimmer`
shoulder and thrower`s shoulder, is a clinical
syndrome which occurs when the tendons of the
rotator cuff muscles become irritates and inflamed as
they pass through the subacromial space, the
passage beneath the acromion.
Causes
The rotator cuff muscle tendons pass through a narrow
space between the acromion process of the scapula and the
head of the humerus. Anything which causes further
narrowing of this space can result in impingement
syndrome. This can be caused by bony structures such as
subacromial spurs (bony projections from the acromion),
osteoarthritic spurs on the acromioclavicular joint, and
variations in the shape of the acromion. Thickening or
calcification of the coracoacromial ligament can also cause
impingement. Loss of function of the rotator cuff muscles,
due to injury or loss of strength, may cause the humerus to
move superiorly, resulting in impingement. Inflammation
and subsequent thickening of the subacromial bursa may
also cause impingement.[
• Impingement of the tendon, most commonly the
supraspinatus, under the acromion and the
greater tuberosity occurs with arm abduction and
internal rotation
• Impingement syndrome may progress to a
rotator cuff tear (complete or partial)
• Stages of subacromial impingement syndrome
Stage 1: Edema or hemorrhage—reversible (age
< 25)
Stage 2: Fibrosis and tendonitis (ages 25–40)
Stage 3: Acromioclavicular spur and rotator cuff
tear (Age > 40) (Miller, 2000)
Anatomi
(THE SHOULDER COMPLEX)