Arthroscopic shoulder decompression for subacromial shoulder pain

Referral Criteria

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery for pure subacromial shoulder impingement should only be offered for patients who have persistent or progressive symptoms, in spite of adequate non-operative treatment.

Pure subacromial shoulder impingement is defined as subacromial pain not caused by associated diagnoses such as rotator cuff tears, acromio-clavicular joint pain, or calcific tendinopathy.

Non-operative treatment such as physiotherapy and exercise programmes is effective and safe in many cases.

The latest evidence for the potential benefits and risks of subacromial shoulder decompression surgery should be discussed with the patient and a shared decision reached between surgeon and patient as to whether to proceed with surgical intervention.

Commissioning policy: Arthroscopic shoulder decompression for subacromial shoulder pain

Where the circumstances of treatment for an individual patient do not meet the criteria described above exceptional funding can be sought. Individual cases will be reviewed by the appropriate panel of NHS Devon upon receipt of a completed application from the patient's GP, consultant or clinician. Applications cannot be considered from patients personally.

Referral Instructions

Queries and applications should be submitted by clinicians to the Individual Funding Request Panel via our generic email address: d-icb.ifr-newsdt@nhs.net

Exceptional /Individual Funding Requests (IFR)

Referral Forms

Applications should be submitted by clinicians to the Individual Funding Request Panel via NHS Devon generic email address: d-icb.ifr-newsdt@nhs.net

Referral Form – Individual Funding Request (IFR)

Patient Information

Individual Funding Request (IFR)

Date of publication: 8 March 2019