Anterior acromioplasty for subacromial impingement in patients younger than 40 years of age.

The indications and results of anterior acromioplasty in patients older than 40 years of age are well documented; however, little is reported concerning this procedure in younger patients because the majority are treated conservatively. Over the last seven years, 26 patients younger than 40 years of age were treated by anterior acromioplasty for subacromial impingement resistant to conservative therapy. The indication for surgery was failed conservative therapy in 17 patients. Six patients had impingement despite previous surgery, such as failed acromioplasty, biceps tenolysis, and biceps tenodesis. Two patients had impingement secondary to greater tuberosity malunion. The average duration of symptoms was 27 months and of conservative therapy, 17 months. All patients had a bursectomy and anterior acromioplasty. In addition, eight had a complete acromioclavicular arthroplasty for concurrent acromioclavicular arthritis, four had a modified acromioclavicular arthroplasty for impingement under the acromioclavicular joint, three had calcium excisions, and one had a rotator cuff repair. The greater tuberosity malunions were advanced in one patient and excised in one. The results were 81% (21) excellent and good, 15% (four) fair, and 4% (one) poor. The average follow-up period was 33 months. The majority of younger patients with subacromial impingement can be successfully treated conservatively. In those patients with persistent symptoms, open acromioplasty can reliably give good results with regard to pain and function.