subacromial bursitis

Introduction

Also see bursitis.

Etiology

• commonly associated with impingement syndrome caused by overhead activities

Clinical manifestations

• pain with raising arms above head
• pain may radiate to lateral deltoid
• pain on palpation of the anterolateral aspect of the shoulder
  • tenderness should localize to lateral edge of acromion
• pain on resisted abduction beyond 75 degrees,
• muscle atrophy or weakness should raise suspicion of rotator cuff injury

Differential diagnosis

• acromioclavicular arthritis
  • pain with palpation of the acromioclavicular joint
  • provocative maneuvers including the cross-body adduction test
  • radiographic findings of osteoarthritis

Management

• physical therapy
• arthroscopic subacromial decompression* is a common surgery for subacromial shoulder pain but of questionable value

* decompressing subacromial space by removing bone spurs & soft tissue

More general terms

• bursitis

Additional terms

• subacromial bursa