Subacromial and Subcoracoid Bursitis and Impingement

Shoulder pain commonly affects individuals across a broad spectrum of age and varying degrees of physical activity. Structures within the subacromial and subcoracoid spaces are responsible for many such shoulder pathologies, ranging from bursitis to impingement. Although subacromial and subcoracoid impingement may occur independently, these conditions frequently coexist with other pathologies such as rotator cuff tears, glenohumeral arthritis, or biceps tendinitis, thereby complicating the clinical picture. Both conditions share overlapping symptoms, with patients primarily complaining of anterior shoulder pain which is exacerbated with certain movements. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are the most effective diagnostic modalities. Initial management involves a conservative approach, focusing on antiinflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy designed to reduce inflammation and restore optimal shoulder biomechanics, respectively. Patients’ refractory to a conservative line of management can be addressed surgically via an arthroscopic debridement of the diseased tissue/osteoplasty and decompression of the compressing structures along with other concomitant procedures.