Bursitis

This chapter explores bursitis, or inflammation of bursal sacs, which is a common condition. Most cases of bursitis involve either the olecranon or the prepatellar bursa, and the majority are related to trauma. Septic and nonseptic bursitis of superficial bursae such as at the olecranon and prepatellar sites may present as both red and tender areas. Clinical features, including fever or infection at another site, may help differentiate infected from noninfected. Bursitis of deeper bursae, such as trochanteric bursitis, is usually not infectious but tuberculous bursitis of the greater trochanter and other deeper sites has occurred. Microorganisms from the skin cause most infectious bursitis. Diagnosis of septic bursitis requires aspiration of fluid for microscopy, culture, cell counts, and glucose. Therapy is started following a decision as to whether the inflammation is infectious or noninfectious.