Subacromial bursitis
Illustration of a healthy shoulder showing the bursa in purple

Definition

Subacromial bursitis consists in the inflammation and swelling of the bursa located beneath the acromion. It is a frequent pathology causing tenderness and restriction of the shoulder movement.

The inflamed bursa appears swollen and red

Pathology

The subacromial bursa is a fluid-filled sack situated within the shoulder joint, under the acromion and above the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. Thanks to the lubricating fluid it contains, the bursa functions as a cushion to reduce friction of the shoulder elements during movement. Subacromial bursitis arises when the bursa becomes irritated. A prolonged inflammation causes swelling of the bursa and consequent reduction of the joint space, thus limiting the movement of the shoulder. Particularly with humerus abduction, the inflamed bursa comes under pressure, triggering pain. Subacromial bursitis often develops secondary to an injury and overuse of the shoulder or as a result of calcium deposits within the rotator cuff. A frozen shoulder may occur as a delayed complication of a subacromial bursitis or be associated with rotator cuff tear or tendinopathy shoulder impingement and shoulder instability.

Older patient with prolonged symptoms of subacromial bursitis

Classification

Depending on the duration of the symptoms, a subacromial bursitis can be classified into five groups:

Acute bursitis symptoms > 1 month

Subacute bursitis symptoms 1-3 months

Chronic bursitis symptoms > 3 months

Chronic bursitis with acute exacerbation a long and indefinite period of shoulder with acute discomfort

Periarthritis with a lengthy history of pain and progressive loss of range of movement

Older patient with prolonged symptoms of subacromial bursitis
Older patient with prolonged symptoms of subacromial bursitis
Carrying or pulling a heavy object can lead to a shoulder bursitis

Causes

The causes leading to a subacromial bursitis include a traumatic impact, abrupt movements, overuse and incorrect posture of the shoulder joint during activities. Specifically, the movements that exercise pressure to the bursa include arm elevation, shoulder rotation, heavy weight lifting, pushing or pulling or lying on the shoulder. These activities when incorrect or repeated cause friction and inflammation of the bursa. This pathology is most frequent in people over 40 years of age.

Carpentry work poses a risk for a shoulder bursitis

Risk factors

Overuse of the upper extremities in professional activities such as carpentry and painting, or sports like tennis, baseball, cricket, swimming and rowing can lead to the inflammation of the bursa. Increasing age is another risk factor due to the stiffening of the joint that increases pressure on the bursa as well as the accumulation of calcium in the bursa. Pre-existing medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and thyroid disorders may enhance the risk of acquiring a subacromial bursitis.

Pain to the shoulder is the main symptom of a bursitis

Symptoms

The commonest symptom of subacromial bursitis is significant pain mainly during shoulder movement. Pain increases particularly with overhead activities or when the patient lies on the affected shoulder. Pain caused by bursitis can impair the sleeping quality and restrict the movement of the shoulder in day to day activities like brushing hair and putting on clothes such as shirts and bra.

MRI scan indicating the pathology of a shoulder bursa shown in white

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of subacromial bursitis is usually achieved with clinical examination followed by ultrasound and in some cases by CT and/or MRI scans. If not treated in a timely fashion, a subacromial bursitis can further degenerate into the impingement syndrome of the shoulder joint, which aggravates the symptoms. This additional pathology often results in substantial decrease of shoulder mobility.

Treatment

Application of ice packs helps reducing pain and inflammation

Nonoperative Treatment

Soon after diagnosis, a period of rest is recommended to avoid those movements that caused the condition and dampen the inflammation of the bursa. Additional conservative management involves the applications of ice or heat, gradual shoulder muscle build-up with physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, pain management with acupuncture and prescription of oral anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or steroids administered via local injection under ultrasound guidance.

Open surgery to remove the inflamed bursa

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is recommended when conservative treatment fails to resolve the symptoms of a subacromial bursitis. Bursectomy or removal of the bursa is performed either by a less invasive shoulder arthroscopy or open surgery (see images). This intervention creates more space within the shoulder joint and allows the rotator cuff to move without restrictions.

The excised bursa is held with the forceps by the surgeon
Mobilisation of the shoulder by a physiotherapist

Rehabilitation

After a brief period of rest following either conservative or surgical treatment, physical therapy can commence to gradually regain shoulder flexibility, range of movement and strength. The recovery varies from patient to patient and may be prolonged up to 6 months before acceptable functionality of the shoulder is achieved. Additional measures to assist in rehabilitation are:

Temporary use of a sling

Ice/heat applications

Massage

Joint mobilisation

Stretches

Education on correct posture and activities

Exercise to strengthen shoulder muscles (shoulder squeeze, pendular movements)

A good posture at work is critical to prevent a shoulder bursitis

Prevention

Prevention of a subacromial bursitis is best achieved by avoiding, reducing or modifying the activities of the shoulder that caused the pathology. When related to incorrect posture at the workplace, ergonometric evaluation and education will minimise the risk of a second subacromial bursitis. Regular physical training is critical to maintain the flexibility of the shoulder muscles and tendons and reduce the pressure on the bursa during movement. The use of postural taping around the shoulder during sport may be recommended by a physiotherapist.