Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that wrap around to form a “cuff” over the upper end of the arm at the shoulder. The rotator cuff helps guide the shoulder through many motions by allowing lift and rotation to the arm while stabilizing the ball of the shoulder within the socket. The space over the top of the rotator cuff is occupied by a bursa which is a fluid sac between the tendon and the acromion bone. The bursae is responsible for providing a cushion within the joint which helps reduce friction between the gliding muscles and bones. When this bursa becomes inflamed, known as bursitis, it can cause pain. 

 

Symptoms

• Swelling

• Inflammation

• Pain

• Combing your hair or getting dressed may be difficult

 

Causes

• Repetitive lifting

• Overhead activities

• Increased stress on the bursa

• Inflammation

 

Risk Factors

• Traumatic Event where there’s a direct hit to the shoulder

• Infection to the Bursa

• Repetitive overhead Sports or Jobs

 

Diagnosis

• Physician will examine your shoulder and gather your medical history and symptoms. 

• X-ray

 

Treatment

Non-Operative

• Rest

• Reduction in overhead activities

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Corticosteroid injections

• Physical Therapy

 

Surgical

• Subacromial Decompression