Impingement Syndrome

Synonyms in a broader sense

  • Subacromial Enges Syndrome
  • Shoulder bottleneck syndrome
  • Shoulder bottleneck
  • Shoulder bottleneck – syndrome
  • Impingement Syndrome

Gender distribution

The gender distribution in impingement syndrome is roughly balanced between women and men.

Definition

Narrowing of the sliding space for the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles and the bursa between the head of humerus and acromion. An impingement syndrome is a functional impairment of the shoulder joint that can occur as a result of chronic overloading, for example in tennis or golf players, swimmers or throwers. Often, however, no actual cause can be identified that triggers the disease. In these cases, there is a tightness under the acromion due to the nature of the condition.

Introduction

The impingement syndrome is also known as shoulder bottleneck syndrome and is one of the most common diseases in the shoulder and shoulder joint area. Particularly affected are persons who practice sports or professions that require overhead movements or work. Depending on the cause, a primary impingement syndrome is distinguished from a secondary impingement syndrome.

In the primary form, the problem lies in a narrowed space between the acromion and the humeral head (subacromial space). The causes are wear and tear of the shoulder joint (omarthrosis), inflammation in the area of the bursa and/or the shoulder-stabilizing muscle groups (rotator cuff), calcium deposits in the area of tendons and muscles, bone protrusions (bone spurs) and an anatomically unfavorably shaped acromion. The secondary form is used to treat bony malpositions of the spinal column (especially in the neck and chest area), muscular imbalances (muscle imbalances) and stability problems of the shoulder as a result of sports injuries or accidents. Ultimately, both lead to a narrowing of soft tissues and structures (e.g. tendons or muscles) in the subacromial space, which significantly limits their mobility. This ultimately leads to pain as well as to significant restrictions in the movement of the shoulder and shoulder joint.