Shoulder surgery removed bone spur

by Suzanne
(Lake George, NY USA)

I had arthroscopic surgery on my right shoulder in June 2008. Prior to surgery I had alot of pain and was on pain meds for a long time. I had pain through the bicep and back into my shoulder blade. The MRI only showed tendonitis. The surgeon removed a bone spur and after surgery I did pretty good for a while. Then things started going downhill and I have alot of the same pain back.

I had an MRI last week and it is worse than the first one. It shows tendonitis and fluid in the subacromial/subdeltoid bursa which was not seen before. I have very limited shoulder movement and pain all the time. Particular movements cause severe pain.

I am going to a shoulder surgeon for a second opinion. He suggested a cortisone shot before he saw the MRI. I am not sure what he will recommend in January but I don't want any more cortisone. I have already had two shots in that shoulder and they did nothing for me. Plus I know that cortisone can be helpful over the short term but can be destructive over the long term.

I would like to know what your opinion is about what I should do. I am thinking that I need a second surgery so he can go in a see what is going on with the bursa and remove it if necessary. I am not sure why the first surgeon did not remove it. Is the bursa needed for functionality.?

I have read mixed reviews about this. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated ! Also, I am a 53 year old woman and had this injury in both shoulders due to repetitive motion.

Thank you !
Suzanne

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Shoulder surgery removed bone spur

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Apr 15, 2009
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had the sugery great success
by: Anonymous

im 35 years of age just had the surgery for bursitis and shoulder spurs i tell u it's been the best thing.I'm a hair dresser and my shoulder was to the point i couldn't even hold the blow dryer, but thanks to my wonderful dr. 5 days later i feel great no pain just tenderness i feel i made the right decision to have the sugery done.you have to have an elaborate speaking professional that understands your pain my dr. shore did.I also tried therapy for 4 months no success.I can honestly say i'm happy with my results.

Apr 26, 2009
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My (brief) story
by: Paul

I had surgery on my left shoulder approx 8 years ago and my experience was very positive. Without knowing everything, I can only assume your first surgeon may not have removed everything. I had impingement and severe pain from joint compression and bone spurs. My doc did what is known as a subacromial decompression with a distal clavical excision. While in there he also cleaned out the joint and turned it from what initially looked like some remote planetary surface into a smooth pearly white. Now I am preparing to have my right shoulder done and of course the same surgeon. This one is worse than the other was but I caught it before it tore into my rotator cuff so the prognosis post surgery is good. The decision for the first surgery was a tough one. I am a health care professional and will try anything before going under the knife. My results were so good from the last surgery that, if I can make it through triathlon season, I will be going straight to the OR in November. Good luck!

Oct 24, 2009
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shoulder surgery
by: Lucy

I have just seen my surgeon and he advises the surgery. He showed us the X-ray and the spur and the tear. He said he would pull the tendon up and secure with a screw? What is all that about. I really need some pertenent information to talk about with him. He seemed to feel it would be easy to fix.

There is a lot of information here and some of it gets confusing, should I maybe not, however the pain is getting worse. Yikes

Nov 01, 2009
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Re: Lucy
by: Bart - SII

Lucy, it sounds like you are talking about a rotator cuff repair, where they reattach the tendon? Is this what you are asking about? You can read a little about it here.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Bart

Nov 08, 2009
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surgery
by: jamie

I would avoid surgery and ask about rehab options. These types of shoulder problems can be treated with muscle strenthening and PT...surgery introduces a whole world of complications, esp w/the shoulder. I would AVOID surgery and opt for rehab...but rehab is not an easy option--requiring a dedication to actually DO the exercises...for perhaps 6 months. It works but it is amazing how few are willing to devote themselves to this.