Purulent bursitis of the elbow joint is a dangerous disease, which is accompanied by inflammation of the synovial bag. As a result of this pathological process, fluid and purulent masses accumulate around the joint. Of course, it is very important to diagnose the disease in time and provide adequate treatment - only in this case can we count on a full recovery.
Of course, many people are looking for additional information about purulent bursitis. The ICD code, the main causes of inflammation, its symptoms - this is important information. So, what is the danger of the disease and what methods of therapy can the doctor offer?
Purulent bursitis of the elbow joint: ICD-10, general description
To begin with, it is worth studying the basic information about the disease. As you know, around the elbow joint there is a synovial bag, which is filled with a small amount of fluid - this structure is called bursa. The fluid contained inside acts as a lubricant, preventing the articular surfaces from rubbing against each other.
Purulent bursitis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the synovial sac, as a result of which fluid begins to accumulate in the bursa cavity, and then purulent masses. Of course, the pathological process causes a lot of discomfort. According to ICD-10, the code M70.2 is assigned to this pathology.
The main causes of inflammation
The reasons for the development of the inflammatory process can be different and you should familiarize yourself with their list:
- Purulent inflammation to one degree or another is associated with the activity of bacterial microorganisms. Pathogens can include staphylococci, streptococci, etc. Sometimes, an infection gets into the synovial bag from the outside - this happens, for example, with various open injuries, as well as during surgery.
- Pathogenic microorganisms often enter the joint structures along with blood or lymph.
- Risk factors also include some systemic diseases, in particular, diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders, immunodeficiency states. Against the background of such pathologies, the body becomes more susceptible to various infections.
- Potentially dangerous are injuries. This is not only about bruises, fractures and other injuries sustained, for example, during a fall or impact. The risk group includes athletes and workers whose profession is associated with constant overstrain and microtrauma of the elbow joint.
- Sometimes it is not possible to establish the reasons for the development of bursitis - in this case they talk about the idiopathic form of the disease.
Purulent bursitis of the elbow joint: photo and information about the symptoms
The inflammatory process is accompanied by the appearance of very unpleasant symptoms:
- A small edema appears in the area of the elbow joint. At first, the swelling is painless, but as the disease progresses, it increases, causing pain to the patient.
- The skin around the joint turns red, it becomes hot to the touch.
- Acute purulent bursitis of the elbow joint is also accompanied by systemic disorders, in particular, fever, weakness, chills, nausea, and other symptoms of intoxication.
- The mobility of the arm in the elbow joint is impaired. Any movement is accompanied by sharp, sharp pains, which significantly impairs the patient's quality of life.
- In the absence of therapy, pus accumulates in the cavity of the synovial bag. If you ignore such a disease, then the formation of subcutaneous phlegmon with the further formation of fistulas is possible.
- The pain becomes constant, it is present even during rest. With purulent bursitis, patients note a feeling of fullness and painful pulsation in the elbow joint.
- Perhaps an increase, and sometimes inflammation of the local lymph nodes.
What complications can a disease cause?
Purulent bursitis of the elbow joint is an ailment that in no case should be ignored. In the absence of timely therapy, the likelihood of developing dangerous complications is high:
- Perhaps the development of phlegmon. Pathology is accompanied by inflammation of the muscle tissue around the affected joint with a further accumulation of pus in them.
- Lymphangitis is another possible complication that is characterized by inflammation of the lymphatic ducts. Sometimes pathogenic microflora spreads to the lymph nodes, which leads to the development of lymphadenitis. In the absence of timely therapy in the cavity, pus begins to accumulate, which leads to the formation of an abscess.
- Purulent arthritis can also be attributed to the list of complications. In this case, the inflammatory process also passes to neighboring joints. The disease is accompanied by sharp, sharp pains, limited mobility.
Diagnostic measures
If the above symptoms appear, consult a doctor. As a rule, a general examination is enough to suspect the presence of an inflammatory process. Further analyzes are carried out. For example, during a laboratory blood test, an increase in the level of white blood cells can be detected, which confirms the presence of an inflammatory process.
X-ray examination is also carried out. In the picture you can detect the presence of osteophytes - and in such cases, patients are recommended surgical intervention. Sometimes the patient is prescribed a puncture of the synovial bag - this makes it possible to confirm the presence of purulent masses, as well as determine the nature of the pathogen.
What can a doctor do?
They begin treatment only after a thorough diagnosis. Purulent bursitis of the elbow joint is a dangerous disease that should not be ignored.
If there is an accumulation of a large amount of fluid in the joint bag, then a puncture is performed. Using a special catheter, the doctor cleans the joint from pus and other secretions, after which it thoroughly rinses the tissues with an antiseptic solution and antibiotics. The procedure is not very pleasant, so it is often performed under local anesthesia.
The hand must be immobilized - for this purpose, special dressings are used that fix the patients wear until they recover completely. In the future, the doctor draws up a drug treatment regimen.
Drug treatment
Treatment of purulent bursitis begins with taking antibiotics in the form of tablets or injections. To begin with, the doctor prescribes antibacterial agents of a wide range of effects. If the desired effect of treatment is absent, then additional laboratory tests are performed to determine the degree of sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria to certain groups of drugs.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also included in the treatment regimen for purulent bursitis of the elbow joint. Such drugs as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac are considered effective. These drugs are available both in tablet form and in the form of gels / ointments for external use. Drugs can cope with the inflammatory process and quickly relieve pain.
In more severe cases, steroid drugs are used that have more pronounced anti-inflammatory properties.
Surgical intervention
Unfortunately, surgery for purulent bursitis of the elbow joint is sometimes simply necessary. Surgical intervention is usually recommended if the disease progresses rapidly, thereby increasing the risk of complications, or conservative therapy does not give the desired result.
The operation is carried out under the control of x-ray equipment - so the doctor after dissection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue can see the edges of the synovial bag. A resection of the walls of the bag is performed, after which the surgeon carefully examines all structures of the joint. If there are outgrowths (osteophytes) on bone surfaces, then their removal is additionally required. In the future, the specialist sutures skin tissues in layers.
It is worth noting that after such an operation, a long rehabilitation follows in order to restore limb mobility.
Remission Therapy
Sometimes treatment is required at the stage of remission. Swelling is removed using cryotherapy. In addition, patients are prescribed UHF and electrophoresis procedures - this helps relieve muscle spasm, improve well-being, and restore limbs to normal mobility. In the future, regular massage sessions and warming paraffin baths are recommended. The same therapy is carried out during rehabilitation after surgery.
Prevention: how to avoid relapse?
Purulent bursitis of the elbow joint is a dangerous disease. It is extremely important to diagnose it in time and start treatment - this is the only guarantee of a full recovery. If you notice any disturbing violations, then you should consult a doctor.
Prevention in this case comes down to the prevention of domestic, occupational and industrial injuries. If during work the limb is constantly strained at the elbow, then periodically you need to do warm-ups and massages. Since often the cause of inflammation is the activation of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, it is important to maintain the normal functioning of the immune system, in particular, eat right, give up bad habits, and maintain physical fitness. Remember that all inflammatory and infectious diseases must be treated on time.