Coracoid impingement syndrome: a treatable cause of anterior shoulder pain.

BACKGROUND: Coracoid Impingement Syndrome is a relatively uncommon but generally treatable cause of anterior shoulder pain that can be easily overlooked. It typically presents with anterior shoulder joint pain in activities involving forward flexion, adduction and internal rotation. AIMS: To assess the outcome of a cohort of patients diagnosed with Coracoid Impingement Syndrome.
METHODS: Patients were investigated clinically and radiologically. They received appropriate therapeutic measures and were followed-up in an orthopaedic outpatient setting.
RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified over a four-year period. All patients have made good progress. Thus far, none have needed operative intervention for symptom relief.
CONCLUSION: Coracoid impingement syndrome is an uncommon cause of anterior shoulder pain but diagnosed patients can expect good symptomatic relief following referral to a dedicated shoulder unit. An increase in clinical awareness of the condition may prevent undue diagnostic delay in such cases.