Bursitis

Background

• Inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that protects the soft tissues from bony prominences

Etiologies

• Mechanical causes, including trauma and overuse
• Infection, most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus
• Crystalline arthropathies, including gout
• Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Obesity
• Metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus and hypo- or hyperthyroidism

Management

• Treatment for septic or suppurative bursitis is drainage and antibiotics, can step down to oral once doing well, total duration likely 7-14 days post-drainage