Subacromial Space

What is a shoulder subacromial injection.

Subacromial space. In middle age a subacromial space less than 6 mm is pathological and may indicate a rupture of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendon or subacromial bursa present in the subacromial space can lead to painful symptoms. 1 the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle. Subacromial space access will be inferior to the acromion identified by bone related shadowing behind the acromion.

The subacromial space refers to the space above the shoulder s glenohumeral joint ball and socket joint and below the acromion the top most bone of the shoulder. The coracoacromial arch consists lateral to medial of the acromion the coracoacromial ligament anterior to the acromioclavicular joint and coracoid process. In fact the subacromial space is only a potential space the bursa being two membra nous surfaces separated by a thin film of lubricating fluid. Musculoskeletal complaints are one of the most common reasons for primary care office visits and rotator cuff disorders ar.

Other risk factors such as obesity and muscle weakness can contribute to joint space narrowing. The space directly beneath the acromion and directly above the shoulder joint is called the subacromial space and packed into that space are a group of important structures. 2 the subacromial bursa. The normal subacromial space in shoulder radiographs is 9 10 mm.

This space is significantly greater in men with a slight reduction with age. Normal measurements do not rule out pathology and must be considered in the context of other findings and the clinical presentation. Subacromial bursitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the bursa that separates the superior surface of the supraspinatus tendon from the overlying coraco acromial ligament acromion and coracoid and from the deep surface of the deltoid muscle. 3 the rotator cuff.

The subacromial space lies below the coracoacromial arch and above the humeral head and greater tuberosity of the humerus. It is only when the surgeon distends the bursa with irrigating fluid that a measurable space is created. A subacromial space is the area below the top of the shoulder blade acromion and above the rotator cuff tendons present on the top of the bone of the upper arm humerus. During certain shoulder movements the subacromial space becomes smaller and these soft tissues can become pinched a condition called shoulder impingement.

It can also occur as you get older. Joint space narrowing may occur from overuse of your joints.