Septic bursitis

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Septic bursitis

Septic bursitis (infectious bursitis) is an infection of the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate an area where tissues—including bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, or skin—rub against one another. Common sites of septic bursitis are the tips of the elbows and the kneecaps.

It may be difficult to tell the difference between inflammation in a bursa (bursitis) and infection in a bursa (septic bursitis). Symptoms of septic bursitis may include:

Pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the area of the infected bursa.
Fever.
Swollen glands near the infected bursa.

Antibiotics and drainage (either drainage with a needle or, occasionally, surgical drainage) are required to treat the infection. Sometimes this requires a hospital stay for intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy or surgery.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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