ObjectiveTo explore the method and clinical efficacy of arthroscopic surgery for treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome and its complications. MethodsA total of 16 patients with subacromial impingement syndrome were operated using arthroscopy during Jul. 2007 to Dec. 2008. The patients aged from 34 to 65 years old, with a mean of (55.6±9.1) years old. Preoperative MRI of shoulder, X-ray of anterior-posterior view of shoulder joint and outlet view of supraspinatus muscle were carried out. Selective injection was used for diagnosis. Five of the 13 patients also had frozen shoulders, 5 had rotator cuff tears, 2 had acromioclavicular joint arthritis, and 1 had calcific tendinitis. All cases were treated by arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) combined with treatments for complications, including arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulders, cuff repair or debridement for rotator cuff tears, distal clavicle resection for AC joint arthritis and calcium debridement and cuff repair for calcific tendinitis. ResultsThe patients were followed up for a mean of (18±6.4) months (ranging 12 to 31 months). The mean ASES score (American Solar Energy Society) of the 16 patients was significantly improved after operation (\[42.7±13.4\] vs \[92.5±12.9\], P=0.001). The whole UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) score was also significantly improved after operation (\[17.2±4.1\] vs \[31.1±3.4\], P=0.000), with the overall excellent rate being 93.8%. ConclusionSubacomial impingement syndrome is usually complicated with other shoulder disorders; the accurate diagnosis should be based on patient history, physical examination, imaging findings, selective injection and arthroscopic examination. ASD should be done together with the management of the complications to achieve a better treatment outcome.