Objective: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the results of the open anterior acromioplasty in the patients who did not respond to conservative therapy.

Materials and Methods: Open anterior acromioplasty was performed in 40 patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. The mean age of the patients was 50 years (range, 35-75 years) and 25 (62.5%) had pathology at the dominant side. The mean follow-up period was 20.3 months (range, 12-42 months). Assessments of the patients were made according to American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's (ASES) score, personal evaluation form and range of motion.

Results: The mean preoperative ASES score was 43.7+/-14. At the last follow-up the score was 85.5 +/- 14.9 (p<0.001). Preoperative pain according to VAS was 6.4 +/- 1.8, and was 1.3+/-1.1 at the last follow-up period (p<0.001). According to subjective patient evaluations results were good or excellent in 35 patients (87.5%), satisfactory in 4 patients (10 %), and poor in 1 patient (2.5%).

Conclusion: Open anterior acromioplasty is a safe and satisfactory procedure at the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome.