I have a torn rotator cuff and now I have what looks like fluid at the elbow

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for reaching out to our community with your concern of possible swelling at your elbow. I will gladly provide you with general information. But, I urge you to contact your physician. The cause and diagnosis of this can only be made by physical evaluation.

How did you get a torn rotator cuff?

There are two main causes of rotator cuff tears: injury and degeneration.

Your arm is kept in your shoulder socket by your rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a network of four muscles that come together as tendons to form a covering around the head of the humerus. The rotator cuff attaches the humerus to the shoulder blade and helps to lift and rotate your arm.

There is a lubricating sac called a bursa between the rotator cuff and the bone on top of your shoulder (acromion). The bursa allows the rotator cuff tendons to glide freely when you move your arm. When the rotator cuff tendons are injured or damaged, this bursa can also become inflamed and painful.

Anonymous, has any treatment been prescribed? Do you have any other medical conditions?
Did you have a recent injury that caused the tear? Did you injure the affected elbow?

Bursae are thin, slippery sacs located throughout the body that act as cushions between bones and soft tissues. They contain a small amount of lubricating fluid that allows the skin to move freely over the underlying bone.

The olecranon bursa lies between the loose skin and the pointy bone at the back of the elbow called the olecranon.

Normally, the olecranon bursa is flat. If it becomes irritated or inflamed, more fluid will collect in the bursa and bursitis will develop.

Keep us posted once you have been seen by your doctor.

Regards,
Maryann