Shoulder Bursitis, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Shoulder Bursitis, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesShoulder bursitis is the most frequent cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when one of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac, becomes irritated and inflamed. There is a number of different bursa (pleural bursae) around the shoulder that may be involved, but the most frequent is sub-acromial bursitis. Pain is likely to develop slowly over time and may restrict movements where the patient lifts the arm above the head or behind the neck or back.
When treated promptly and effectively, symptoms will normally recover within a few weeks, but left untreated, symptoms slowly get worse and secondary disorders can develop. A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that comprises synovial cells that secrete lubricating fluid and functions as a gliding surface to decrease friction between tissues of the body. There are 160 bursae in the body which are located between muscles, tendons and bones.
They supply cushioning and a smooth surface permitting the tissues to glide freely and fully as the person moves without any friction. The major bursae are sited adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. There are a number of bursae sited around the shoulder joint such as the:1. Sub-acromial bursa2. Sub-scapular bursa3. Sub-coracoid bursa4. Cora-coclavicular bursa5.
Supra-acromial bursa6. Sub-deltoid bursa (which tend to be connected)CausesWhen the bursa becomes irritated or injured, it reacts by producing more synovial fluid in an attempt to protect itself and the surrounding tissues which result in inflammationThis may be produced by:1. Repetitive Friction2. Injury3. Underlying Disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or a bacterial infection4. Surrounding Structures such as impingement or rotator cuff tendon tearsActivities that are frequent risk factors for shoulder bursitis are throwing a ball, lifting objects overhead, and trauma from a fall onto the shoulder.
People who are more likely to get bursitis are:1. Carpenters2. Musicians3. Athletes4. GardenersSymptoms:Typical pain symptoms are:a. Pain with certain shoulder movementsb. Pain at night that can awaken the patient from sleepc. Shooting pains that extend down the outer edge of the armd. Discomfort when lying on the shouldere. Pain on the outside or top of the shoulderf. Pain that gets worse when lifting the arm to the sideg.
Pain when pushing on or opening a doorh. Pain when trying to circle the armj. Pressure and pain when pushing on the top of the shoulderOther symptoms are:StiffnessWeaknessDiagnosis:Shoulder bursitis is normally recognized by localized pain or swelling, tenderness of bursa, and pain with movement of the tissues in the involved areaPositive Neer impingement signPositive Hawkins testPainful Arc TestYocum TestInternal Impingement testX-ray FindingsFrequent radiographic findings linked with impingement are:a.
Proximal migration of the humerus as observed in rotator cuff tear arthropathyb. Traction osteophytesc. Calcification of the coraco-acromial ligamentd. Cystic changes within the greater tuberositye. Type III-hooked acromionMRI, Ultrasound and CT arthography all help to depict the inflamed bursaTreatmentShoulder bursitis treatment aims to:1. Reduce pain and inflammation, 2. Prevent and correct any weakness and decreased movement at the shoulder, 3.
Prevent secondary problems developing such as shoulder impingement, and4. Get the patient back to the usual activitiesPhysical therapy can be used to help the recovery from bursitisSurgery for bursitis is used as a last resort. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionCha...