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elecranan bursitus (sp?)

 
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Manster
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Joined: 09 Oct 2006
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 3:43 pm GMT +0000    Post subject: elecranan bursitus (sp?) Reply with quote

I have a elecranan bursitus (sp? can't read Dr.'s handwriting). It has been drained twice and I rec'd a steriod shot each time. It filled up with fluid again and the Dr. says it is time to have surgery. Orthopedic surgen says surgery involves removing bursra. My question is does the bursra always grow back? What is the risk of more problems after surgery than I have now with just the inconvience of having fluid on my elbow? Also how many times should you go the drain and steriod shot route before you resort to surgery?

Thanks in advance,
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The Bike Doc
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Joined: 08 May 2003
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Location: Corpus Christi and Warda, Texas

PostPosted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:23 am GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

Manster:

The olecranon bursa provides a lubricating cushion for the tendons to move over on the back of the elbow (the olecranon). I will answer your questions serially.

1. Once removed it will not grow back.
2. Problems after surgery may occur, these can include infection, scar tissue formation that may decrease the movement of the elbow or cause compression of the ulnar nerve as it goes underneath the humoral grove of the elbow leading to pain, numbness or weakness to the ring and little finger side of the hand. These complications are not common. They have to be weighed against the benefits that my be gained by removal of the troublesome bursa. Leaving the chronically inflammed bursa in place can also result in these same complications.
3. 2-3 rounds of drainage and steroid injections is a reasonable limit.

Discuss your questions further with your orthopedic surgeon. It is okay to get a second orthopedic opinion, but do visit with your surgeon about it so history and physical information that he or she has can be forwarded on to the second orthopedic surgeon to allow him or her the full benefit of information on hand to provide an informed opinion.

Thanks,
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Paul K. Nolan, MD
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Manster
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Joined: 09 Oct 2006
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:48 am GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just a follow up to let you know that I had the surgery. Dr. said the bursra he removed was one of the largest he had seen - just slightly smaller than a baseball at the time he removed it. Recovery has been painless and the problem resolved.

Thanks Doc. In an age were everyone seems to be chasing the almighty dollar, and Dr.s won't even give you free advice over the phone, you are a refreshing breath of fresh air.
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The Bike Doc
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 11:13 am GMT +0000    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the follow, Manster, and the good vibes!
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