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i have developed bursitis in my elbow about 2 months after having a rotator cuff repair. Is there a link between the two or is it just co-incidence

By Anonymous December 23, 2010 - 6:34pm
 
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The post-operative exercises I have to do include rotating my arm outwards with a bent elbow (90 degrees). Will this irritate the elbow and prolong the bursitis? I've had the condition for 4 weeks and it shows no sign of going away. So far I don't think there is any infection as the swollen part of the elbow is not inflamed

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had undergone arthroscopic Bankarts repair for recurrent right shoulder dislocation one month back. I was worried as i couldn't find many articles on the connection between the surgery and bursitis. But i am glad that mine is not a special case and that there are people like me with same concern. Now where can i find further details as to how to go about it??

December 29, 2019 - 12:41pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Anon,

Checking in with your doctor or physical therapist is a good start. Also, as mentioned below in the comments, you can find more information about treatment in our reference section: https://www.empowher.com/condition/bursitis

best,

Helena

December 29, 2019 - 3:26pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I too had rotator cuff repair and developed elbow bursitis after doing the same exercise. I was looking for a reason and it's reassuring to know that someone else has experienced this. I never thought about it being the exercises until I read your question and the comment, but now it makes sense. Especially when you think about how you normally do not position your elbow in that way in normal everyday activity. And not only that, having your arm immobilized after surgery then bending your elbow at such an odd angle repetitively probably wouldn't make it very happy. While this exercise may be necessary for the shoulder it may not be appreciated by the elbow.

May 1, 2013 - 2:48pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

me too ive just got elbow bursitis 3 months after rotatorcuff surgery must b the elbow sitting in the sling for 6 weeks i rekon never ever had it b4

January 25, 2018 - 7:53pm
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Bursitis results from inflammation of a bursa, a thin, slippery piece of tissue that protects tendons which are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. It's possible that the condition that caused your rotator cuff injury also impacted your elbow, but it would be better to ask a healthcare professional who knows your full medical history that question.

Your post-operative exercises could aggravate the bursitis, as the standard treatment for acute bursitis is:
* Resting the affected area
* Icing the painful area
* Taking anti-inflammatory medications
* Protecting the area from trauma

It would be best to seek advice from your doctor and/or physical therapist on what exercises and treatments will support recovery from the surgery without aggravating the bursitis. You can find more information about bursitis treatment in our reference section: https://www.empowher.com/condition/bursitis

December 23, 2010 - 6:48pm
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