Septic bursitis

Background

• Most common sites are prepatellar bursa and olecranon bursa

Clinical Features

• Acute pain, tenderness, warmth, and erythema of affected bursa
  • None of which is seen in aseptic bursitis
• Fever (<50%)

Differential Diagnosis

• Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
• Prepatellar bursitis (nonseptic)

Evaluation

• Bursal fluid aspiration
  • Both diagnostic and therapeutic

Management

Antibiotics

• 80-90% of septic bursitis is caused by S. aureus, with Streptococcus also playing a large role. Tailor antibiotic therapy appropriately.

Disposition

• Consider admission for:
  • Extensive purulent bursitis
  • Extensive surrounding cellulitis
  • Suspected joint involvement
  • Immunocompromise
  • Failure to resopnd to course of PO antibiotics

See Also

• Bursitis