| Bursitis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | bone disfigured |
 | |
| Example ofolecranon bursitis | |
| Specialty | Orthopedics |
Bursitis is theinflammation of one or morebursae (synovial sacs) ofsynovial fluid in the body. They are lined with asynovial membrane that secretes a lubricating synovial fluid.[1] There are more than 150 bursae in the human body.[1] The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such asmuscles andtendons, slide acrossbone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless. When bursitis occurs, however, movement relying on the inflamed bursa becomes difficult and painful. Moreover, movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed bursa aggravates its inflammation, perpetuating the problem. Muscle can also be stiffened.
Bursitis commonly affects superficial bursae. These include thesubacromial,prepatellar,retrocalcaneal, andpes anserinus bursae of the shoulder, knee, heel and shin, etc. (seebelow).[1] Symptoms vary from localized warmth anderythema (redness)[1] to joint pain and stiffness, to stinging pain that surrounds the joint around the inflamed bursa.[citation needed]
Bursitis could possibly also cause a snapping, grinding or popping sound – known assnapping scapula syndrome – when it occurs in the shoulder joint. This is not necessarily painful.[citation needed]
There can be several concurrent causes. Trauma,auto-immune disorders,infection andiatrogenic (medicine-related) factors can all cause bursitis.[1] Bursitis is commonly caused byrepetitive movement and excessive pressure. Shoulders, elbows and knees are the most commonly affected. Inflammation of the bursae may also be caused by other inflammatory conditions such asrheumatoid arthritis,scleroderma,systemic lupus erythematosus, andgout.Immune deficiencies, includingHIV anddiabetes, can also cause bursitis.[1]
Traumatic injury is another cause of bursitis. The inflammation irritates because the bursa no longer fits in the original small area between the bone and the functionary muscle or tendon. When the bone increases pressure upon the bursa, bursitis results. Sometimes the cause is unknown. It can also be associated with various otherchronic systemic diseases.[citation needed]
History of injury & Physical examination.U/S or MRI[citation needed]
It is important to differentiate between infected and non-infected bursitis. People may have surrounding cellulitis and systemic symptoms include a fever. The bursa should be aspirated to rule out an infectious process.[1]
Bursae that are not infected can be treated symptomatically with rest, ice, elevation,physiotherapy,anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication. Since bursitis is caused by increased friction from the adjacent structures, a compression bandage is not suggested because compression would create more friction around the joint. Chronic bursitis can be amenable tobursectomy and aspiration.[1] Bursae that areinfected require further investigation andantibiotic therapy. Steroid therapy may also be considered.[1]
