Inflammatory diseases. Bursitis of the elbow joint

The term "bursitis" in medicine means an inflammatory process in synovial (periarticular) bags. These slit-shaped cavities refer to the auxiliary muscle site. They are located in the tissue between the soft tissue and the protruding bone area (in the place of frequent mechanical pressure).

Inflammation is accompanied by acute pain, redness, swelling. As a rule, the hip, knee, and shoulder joints are more susceptible to the disease, and often the bursitis of the elbow joint is also observed . The disease is common among athletes and the male population.

Bursitis of the elbow joint can occur due to damage (bruise, abrasion, trauma, a small wound), which can cause infection by pyogenic microbes. Rarely, the appearance of lesions in the overload of joints, a sharp increase in physical activity or prolonged mechanical irritation. The cause of the disease can also be infections transmitted through the lymph nodes from purulent foci (erysipelas, bedsores, osteomyelitis, boils, etc.).

There are also secondary causes, which cause bursitis of the elbow joint. These include arthritis, gout and other. In some cases, the cause of inflammation can not be established.

Bursitis of the elbow joint can occur in acute or chronic form.

The acute form of the disease, as a rule, manifests itself as a sharp and very strong pain, which is amplified by the movements of the affected area. In the area above the focus of inflammation, a round, extremely painful, elastic swelling is formed. It can reach eight to ten centimeters in diameter. There is an increase in pain at night. Also, the acute form is characterized by swelling, redness, fever (up to 40º). Progressing process with the transition to soft tissue can cause phlegmon.

The acute form of the disease can go to the chronic. In this acute pain, as a rule, is not observed, but the course of the disease is longer. The chronic stage is accompanied by the formation of calcium deposits in the periarticular sac, causing swelling and a significant limitation of mobility.

It should be noted that the diagnosis of the disease is not accompanied by any special tests or studies. Mainly, the reasons are explained when the patient is examined and questioned. When suspected of bursitis, ultrasound is performed. In this case, the joint and periarticular bag are examined, the changes in tissues, the presence of fluid are revealed. In some cases, an X-ray is prescribed, and in particularly complicated cases, an MRI. If necessary, examine the fluid by puncturing the periarticular bag. This analysis allows to determine the nature of inflammation, sensitivity to antibiotics of microbial flora.

For a more accurate diagnosis of the medical profession, as a rule, apply several methods of research in a complex.

How to treat elbow bursitis

As a rule, with acute inflammation, conservative therapy is performed, which does not require surgical intervention. In this case, immobilization of the affected area with a bandage or bandage is performed. Keep the joint in a raised position. Required rest. In an inflamed area, a massage is periodically performed with a sachet of ice through the tissue. Effective also fixing the inflamed area with a bandage or bandage. As a rule, these measures promote rapid healing.

Relief of symptoms is facilitated by anti-inflammatory drugs. To ease severe pain, use local anesthetics (novocaine with hydrocortisone). When an infection is detected, antibiotics are prescribed. After the disappearance of pain recommend dry heat, a bandage using Vishnevsky ointment.

In chronic inflammation, it is often necessary to use cardinal methods. As a rule, the affected area is punctured and exudate is removed followed by mandatory washing with hydrocortisone solution with antibiotics. Depending on the complexity of the inflammation, the procedure can be performed up to five times. Purulent bursitis of the elbow joint requires surgical intervention. In this case, a sufficiently long healing of postoperative wounds is observed, therefore this method is used in extreme cases.