Prospective comparison between konservative and operative arthroscopic treatment of impingement syndrome of the shoulder

The treatment outcome in patients with primary extrinsic impingement syndrome was comparable in terms of function (constant score) and pain level (NRS value) for conservative and surgical therapy after 3, 6 and 12 months. With conservative therapy, the duration of incapacity to work is shorter. In addition, with conservative therapy, the risks and costs associated with an operation can be avoided. Targeted and structured conservative therapy requires a targeted functional problem analysis, which results in targeted instructions for the physiotherapist. Accompanying medical measures, such as infiltrations, are helpful in bursitis or AC joint arthrosis. Arthroscopic intervention can be performed if conservative treatment fails. The data from this work confirm the prevailing opinion that patients with primary extrinsic impingement syndrome without structural tendon damage should be treated conservatively. As a result, the ability to work can be achieved again more quickly. The implementation of targeted medical specifications for physiotherapeutic treatments is essential for the success of the treatment and should be ensured through targeted prescriptions, control of these prescribed therapy measures and training.