Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
Conditions
Expert orthopedic surgeons such as Dr Sunner work across a wide range of musculoskeletal issues including some largely unknown yet common conditions.
Although some of these conditions may be common the approach to which it is dealt with is unique to every patient.
Below we have explained some medical conditions and surgeries you may not have heard of, but are more common than you think!
Bursitis: What Is It?
Bursitis is the inflammation or irritation of the bursa. The bursa is a sac filled with lubricating fluid, located between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin, that decreases rubbing, friction, and irritation.
Who Gets It?
Anyone over the age of 40 can develop bursitis. As tendons age, they are only able to tolerate less stress, hold less elasticity, and are therefore more likely to tear.
Where Does Bursitis Occur?
Bursitis can occur in the knee, hip, shoulder and even in the elbow.
What Are The Symptoms?
Joints may feel achy or stiff, may look swollen or red. The area may hurt more when you press it or move it.
What Causes It?
Bursitis is most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the area, or from a sudden, more serious injury.
Fact: There are over 150 bursae in the human body
Synovectomy: What Is It?
Synovectomy is a procedure recommended to provide relief from a condition in which the synovial membrane of the joint lining becomes inflamed and irritated. Synovectomy is a useful treatment option for early rheumatoid arthritis that has not improved with medicine, including DMARDs or corticosteroid injections.
Who Gets It?
Anyone who suffers from arthritis can undergo synovectomy surgery as a treatment option under guidance and recommendation from their doctor and specialist.
Synovitis: What Is It?
Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of the synovial membrane. It is also referred to as the commonly known ‘arthritis.’ However, there is a difference between synovitis and arthritis.
Where does Synovitis Occur?
Synovitis most commonly affects the knees but can also develop in other joints.
What Are The Symptoms?
Swelling, limited motion and stiffness that is usually worse in the morning.
What Causes It?
The pain caused by synovitis can be a major problem in conjunction with other illnesses such as juvenile arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis. Synovitis can also be part of rheumatic fever, tuberculosis, injury, or gout. It is a defining characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.
Torn Labrum: What is it?
The labrum is a piece of fibrocartilage (rubbery tissue) attached to the rim of the shoulder socket that helps keep the ball of the joint in place. When this cartilage is torn, it is called a labral tear. Labral tears may result from injury, or sometimes as part of the ageing process. There are different types of Labral Tears including SLAP Tears, Bankart Tears and Posterior Labral Tears.
Where does a Torn Labrum occur?
Most commonly occurs in the shoulder but can also occur in the hip.
What Are The Symptoms?
The main symptom caused by a labral tear is a sharp pop or catching sensation. A labral tear can be hard to diagnose. Clinicians will perform a physical examination and usually order X-rays and an MRI.
What Causes It?
A Labral tear is often caused by a direct injury to the shoulder or hip. The labrum can also become torn from the wear and tear of activity, a condition called overuse.
For more information or if you are suffering from any of the above conditions and require assistance, book an appointment online with Dr Sunner or call us on (02) 4731 8466.