Question

You are

• . . . an emergency technician working in the Emergency Department at Fulwood Medical Center.

  Your patient is

  . . . Mr. Bruce Adams, a 55-year old construction worker.

  Mr. Adams presents with severe pain in his right should that has made him leave work and seek relief. The pain began 3 or 4 months ago and it is worse at the end of the workday and when he has to work with his arm above the shoulder. In the past week, the pain has awakened him from sleep.

  The company physician has diagnosed shoulder bursitis and treated Mr. Adams with anti-inflammatory medication and a heating pad. Mr. Adams has no previous history of work injuries. Physical examinations marked limitation by the pain of all passive and active movements of the right shoulder with weakness in all lifting movements.

  Answer the following in your post:

  • What did the MRI reveal?
  • What type of surgery is required if needed?
  • What discharge instructions might be prescribed?

Answer 1

1) The MRI reveals shoulder bursitis.

2) Shoulder surgery is typically recommended when shoulder bursitis is chronic and related shoulder impingement and it is caused by rotator cuff tear .The type of surgery performed will depend on the patient’s symptoms and the underlying cause of the shoulder pain.

3) Discharge instructions :-

The patient is asked to wear a sling post surgery for a period of time .

Encourage to participate in physical therapy

Advice a nutritious diet containing carbs , proteins more as it will help in healing

Regular follow up

Compliance to medications