Aftercare | Surgery for bursitis of the elbow

Aftercare

After the operation, splints are already applied to the elbow joint in the operating room to ensure immobilization. Alternatively, a plaster cast can be applied for a period of one week. In addition, thrombosis prophylaxis, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving therapy and regular follow-up examinations are important.

For about 2 weeks the arm should still be immobilized and not be put under too much strain. After this time, the stitches of the surgical area are removed. If the doctor finds no further complications or signs of infection here, the elbow may now be put under load again. However, in the case of particularly strenuous sports or work for the arm, it is advisable to wait up to 6 weeks until the arm is fully active.

Risks and complications

The bursa has an important function in the elbow joint. It regulates the enormous pressure load on the joint and thus protects the bones from strong mechanical compression. After surgical removal, this regulatory mechanism is missing, which can lead to damage of the joint.

In addition, a surgical and thus invasive procedure inevitably leads to scarring. These are aesthetically disturbing and can also impair joint function. A reduction in mobility cannot be ruled out here.

In addition, nerve lesions of the adjacent nerve tracts can occur during the surgical procedure. In rare cases, this can lead to paresthesia, numbness or loss of function of individual muscle groups. Bruising in the elbow joint can also occur after the operation and is not uncommon.In addition, intraoperative bleeding may occur, as the surgical site is very well supplied with blood.

However, small and controlled bleeding is not worrying and can be compensated by the body. A complication that can occur, for example, due to bleeding into a muscle lobe, and thus an area limited by a muscle fascia, is called compartment syndrome. In this syndrome, there is a dangerous increase in tissue pressure within the compartment.

The consequences are nerve lesions, tissue and organ damage. If compartment syndrome is suspected, rapid surgical fascial splitting is indicated. Surgical opening of the skin and subcutaneous tissue can cause bacteria to penetrate the wound area and thus lead to infection. This risk is minimized by pre- and postoperative antibiotic therapy.