Bursitis

Inflammation of the synovium-lined sacs that protect bony prominences and joints

Aetiology

  • Bursa: small fluid filled sac lined by synovium around a joint which prevents friction between tendons, bones, muscle and skin
  • Can become inflamed after repeated pressure or trauma - may present as a soft tissue swelling
    • Pre‐patellar bursitis
    • Olecranon bursitis
    • Bunions (bursitis over the medial 1st metatarsal head in hallux valgus)
  • Can become secondarily infected and form an abscess (usually bacterial infection from a small wound on the limb)

Management

  • With inflammatory bursitis the fluid component of the swelling usually subsides but a thickened bursal sac may be left
  • Recurrence may occur and excision may be required but problems can occur with scarring