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Bursitis

Lee A. Mancini, MD, CSN, CSCS*D, CAQSM, Nicholas R. Martin, MD and Adam Ridley, MD, DO Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Bursae are synovial fluid-filled sacs found in areas subject to musculoskeletal friction, such as when tendons pass over bony prominences.

  • Although there are at least 78 different sit...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Pain in the affected region, usually gradual in onset; can be rapid if due to trauma

  • Decreased ROM or stiffness of the affected region

  • Recent changes in recreational or occupational act...

TREATMENT

Outpatient; refer only difficult cases. 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Goal is to reduce pain and irritation and prevent recurrence.

  • Conservative therapy consists of PRICE therapy (protection, rest, ice, co...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Rest and elevation of affected extremity 

Patient Monitoring

  • Discontinue NSAIDs as soon as possible to avoid side effects.

  • Some patients may require repeated injecti...

REFERENCES

1
Baumbach  SF, Lobo  CM, Badyine  I, et al. Prepatellar and olecranon bursitis: literature review and development of a treatment algorithm. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Aaron  DL, Patel  A, Kayiaros  S, et al. Four common types of bursitis: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg.  2011;19(6):359–367. [View A...

SEE ALSO

  • Tendinopathy

  • Video: Olecranon Bursitis Aspiration

CODES

ICD10

  • M71.9 Bursopathy, unspecified

  • M75.50 Bursitis of unspecified shoulder

  • M70.20 Olecranon bursitis, unspecified elbow

  • M70.40 Prepatellar bursitis, unspecified knee

  • M75.52 Bursitis of left shoulder

  • ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • PRICE is recommended as conservative therapy for bursitis:

    • Protect (protective gear or padding).

    • Rest affected area.

    • Ice inflamed bursa.

    • Compress (with Ace wrap or neoprene sleeve).

    • Elevate...

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