Description

• A bursa is a sac that is formed or found in areas subject to friction, such as locations where tendons pass over bony landmarks.
• Most common sites are:
  • Subdeltoid/Subacromial
  • Olecranon
  • Prepatellar
  • Trochanteric
  • Radiohumeral
• Bursae essentially lubricate the region with synovial fluid.

• Large bursae usually communicate with joints and are responsible for retaining synovial fluid in place.
• Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that serve as a cushion between tendons and bones.
• E.G. Bywaters, an English rheumatologist, found at least 78 bursae symmetrically placed on each side of the body.
• System(s) affected: Musculoskeletal

Pediatric Considerations
Bursitis is less common in the pediatric population.

Epidemiology

Predominant age:

• 15–50 years (most common in skeletally mature)
• Traumatic bursitis more likely in patients <35 years of age

• Common
• Trochanteric pain: 1.8/1,000 per year (1)

Risk Factors

• Individuals who engage in repetitive and vigorous training or others who suddenly increase their level of activity (e.g., “weekend warriors”)
• Leg length discrepancy and a Trendelenburg gait increase risk for trochanteric bursitis.

General Prevention

• Appropriate warm-up and cool-down maneuvers, avoidance of overuse, or inadequate rest between workouts
• Range-of-motion (ROM) exercises
• Maintain high level of fitness and general good health.

Etiology

• Bursitis may be acute or chronic.
• Many types of bursitis, including infectious, traumatic, and inflammatory
• Less often rheumatoid disease or tuberculosis, as well as gout and pseudogout

Commonly Associated Conditions

• Tendinitis
• Sprains, strains
• Associated stress fractures
• Tight or deconditioned muscles