An evidence-based review of current perceptions with regard to the subacromial space in shoulder impingement syndromes : is it important and what influences it?

Mackenzie, TA; Herrington, LC; Horsley, I; cools, A

Abstract

Background: Reduction of the subacromial space as a mechanism in the etiology of shoulder impingement
syndromes is debated. Although a reduction in this space is associated with shoulder impingement syndromes,
it is unclear if this observation is cause or consequence.
Method: The purposes of this descriptive review are to provide a broad perspective on the current perceptions
with regard to the pathology and pathomechanics of subacromial and internal impingement syndromes, consider
the role of the subacromial space in impingement syndromes, describe the intrinsic and extrinsicmechanisms
considered to influence the subacromial space, and critique the level of evidence supporting these concepts.
Finding: Based on the current evidence, the hypothesis that a reduction in subacromial space is an extrinsic cause
of impingement syndromes is not conclusively established and the evidence permits no conclusion.
Interpretation: If maintenance of the subacromial space is important in impingement syndromes regardless of
whether it is a cause or consequence, research exploring the correlation between biomechanical factors and
the subacromial space, using the later as the outcome measure, would be beneficial.

Citation

Mackenzie, T., Herrington, L., Horsley, I., & cools, A. (2015). An evidence-based review of current perceptions with regard to the subacromial space in shoulder impingement syndromes : is it important and what influences it?. Clinical Biomechanics, 30(7), 641-648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.06.001

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jun 6, 2015
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Nov 30, 2015
• Journal: Clinical Biomechanics
• Print ISSN: 0268-0033
• Electronic ISSN: 1879-1271
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 641-648
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.06.001
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.06.001
• Related Public URLs: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02680033/30/7