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What Is Bursitis/Impingement Treatment?

Shoulder Bursitis Surgery

Shoulder bursitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the bursa - a closed, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bone and soft tissue surfaces. Without the protective element of the bursa, tendons in your shoulder rub against the outer edge of your shoulder abnormally and cause pain. Shoulder bursitis occurs when swelling and redness begin to develop on the top of the arm bone and the tip of the shoulder. When noninvasive treatments fail to provide you with the relief you need, it may be time to consider shoulder bursitis surgery.

At Barrington Orthopedics, our highly-experienced, certified shoulder specialists can perform shoulder bursitis surgery, designed to reduce pain and restore function in your shoulder. Using a special camera called an arthroscope, your surgeon will inspect your joint and treat the specific condition of your shoulder based on the findings. Our team will work alongside you throughout your surgery and provide rehabilitative advice to ensure a healthy and quick recovery.

If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, we are here to help. Schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today. If you’re in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.

Elbow Bursitis Diagnosis & Treatment - Buffalo Grove, IL

Elbow bursitis, or olecranon bursitis,occurs in the olecranon bursa. This is a thin, fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow that provides cushion between bones and soft tissue. Elbow bursitis is caused by fluid buildup in the bursa that results in limited movement, swelling, and pain.This condition typically responds to home treatments such as rest, ice application, compression, or anti-inflammatory medication. However, when noninvasive treatments fail to provide you with the relief you need, it may be time to consider the following treatment options:

  • Draining the bursa
  • Cortisone injection
  • Surgical treatment

At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our experienced, high-quality specialists can help you find relief and ultimately decide the right course of action for your elbow bursitis condition. We will diagnose your condition with X-rays and fluid testing and offer a personalized treatment plan that truly works for you.

If you’re suffering from elbow bursitis, do not allow your condition to worsen. Schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today. If you’re in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and restore function. In planning your treatment, your doctor will consider your age, activity level, and general health.

Nonsurgical Treatment

In most cases, initial treatment is nonsurgical. Although nonsurgical treatment may take several weeks to months, many patients experience a gradual improvement and return to function.

Rest. Your doctor may suggest rest and activity modification, such as avoiding overhead activities.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.

Physical therapy. A physical therapist will initially focus on restoring normal motion to your shoulder. Stretching exercises to improve range of motion are very helpful. If you have difficulty reaching behind your back, you may have developed tightness of the posterior capsule of the shoulder (capsule refers to the inner lining of the shoulder and posterior refers to the back of the shoulder). Specific stretching of the posterior capsule can be very effective in relieving pain in the shoulder.

Once your pain is improving, your therapist can start you on a strengthening program for the rotator cuff muscles.

Steroid injection. If rest, medications, and physical therapy do not relieve your pain, an injection of a local anesthetic and a cortisone preparation may be helpful. Cortisone is a very effective anti-inflammatory medicine. Injecting it into the bursa beneath the acromion can relieve pain.

When nonsurgical treatment does not relieve pain, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Treatment

Acromioplasty

He or she may also perform an anterior acromioplasty, in which part of the acromion is removed. This is also known as a subacromial decompression. These procedures can be performed using either an arthroscopic or open technique.

Arthroscopic Technique

In arthroscopy, thin surgical instruments are inserted into two or three small puncture wounds around your shoulder. Your doctor examines your shoulder through a fiberoptic scope connected to a television camera. He or she guides the small instruments using a video monitor, and removes bone and soft tissue.

In most cases, the front edge of the acromion is removed along with some of the bursal tissue.

Your surgeon may also treat other conditions present in the shoulder at the time of surgery. These can include arthritis between the clavicle (collarbone) and the acromion (acromioclavicular arthritis), inflammation of the biceps tendon (biceps tendonitis), or a partial rotator cuff tear.

Open Surgical Technique

In open surgery, your doctor will make a small incision in the front of your shoulder. This allows your doctor to see the acromion and rotator cuff directly.