Bursae
Sandwiched between tissues that slide past each other, bursae decrease
the frictional forces present. They are endotheliallined cushions and normally
contain little fluid. If they are overloaded they can become inflamed, swollen
and very painful. Although the appearances can mimic sepsis, a pathogenic
organism is rarely isolated in cases of closed injury. Common sites for bursitis
to develop are:
• olecranon;
• psoas tendon;
• greater trochanter;
• iliotibial band;
• prepatellar;
• infrapatellar;
• retrocalcaneal.
Avoidance
of the aggravating mechanical factors and a short course of anti-inflammatories
is usually sufficient to control symptoms. Intractable cases require aspiration
and steroid injections and, more rarely, excision of the indurated bursal wall.