ROTATOR CUFF BURSITIS

What is rotator cuff bursitis?

Rotator cuff bursitis arises from the inflammation of the pillow-like sacs filled with synovial fluid, the bursae.

What are the reasons for rotator cuff bursitis?

Healthy rotator cuff tendons and muscles stabilise the shoulder and ensure optimal joint movement. However, a traumatic accident, sports injury, sudden fall on the shoulder or overuse of the joint can prevent the rotator cuff from stabilising the joint. Weak rotator cuff muscles cause the humerus to shift close towards the shoulder blade. As a result, increased pressure is placed on the bursae, which leads to inflammation of these liquid-filled sacs.

Certain sports can increase the risk of the condition, such as football, wrestling, basketball, swimming, golf and tennis.

How does Dr van Niekerk check for rotator cuff bursitis?

Dr van Niekerk will examine the shoulder in detail by testing the mobility and flexibility of the joint. These tests are designed to assess the strength and mobility of the shoulder and arm. As a result, Dr van Niekerk will order the following tests:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• MRI scan

How do you treat rotator cuff bursitis?

Treatment for rotator cuff bursitis can be divided into non-surgical and operative treatments. Non-surgical treatment, like any other treatment, aims to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Non-operative treatments include rest, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and corticosteroids (via injection) to reduce the symptoms of rotator cuff bursitis. Surgical treatment is rarely performed to treat bursitis. Normally, symptoms are relieved through non-operative treatment.

However, when shoulder bursitis recurs and coincides with shoulder impingement, doctors recommend surgery to treat the problem. The procedure that needs to be carried out depends on your symptoms and the cause of the pain. For example, a bursectomy is a type of surgery that involves the resection of the inflamed bursae.

Non-surgical treatments must be applied over several weeks or months to relieve symptoms of rotator cuff bursitis completely. You will only be allowed to return to overhead sports when you are relieved of pain and have completely regained shoulder mobility.