Bursitis

Question 1

Bursa are small fluid filled sacs loacted around joints, acting as cushions between tendons and bones. If this becomes inflamed it is called bursitis. Is bursitis more common in men or women?

Answer 1

• the same

Question 2

All of the following are risk factors for bursitis, EXCEPT:

1 - diabetes
2 - immunocomprimised
3 - alcoholics
4 - age
5 - occupation
6 - overuse
7 - gout

Answer 2

4 - age

Question 3

Bursitis can be causes by inflammation of the synovial lining of the bursa. This can result in increased inflammatory markers. All of the following are typically raised, EXCEPT:

1 - WBC
2 - TNF-a
3 - cyclooxygenase
4 - interleukins

Answer 3

1 - WBC

Question 4

Bursitis can be acute or chronic. The following are all symptoms patients may present with, EXCEPT which one:

1 - swelling
2 - crepitus of joint
3 - reduced joint motion
4 - pain (may be absent if chronic)

Answer 4

2 - crepitus of joint

Question 5

Bursitis can be acute or chronic. The following are all signs that the clinician may be able to see, EXCEPT which one:

1 - crepitus of joint
2 - thickened bursa
3 - warm, red and tender bursa
4 - no effusion in adjacent joints

Answer 5

1 - crepitus of joint

Question 6

All of the following are differentials for bursitis, EXCEPT which one?

1 - Gout
2 - Ankylosing spondylitis (ischial bursitis)
3 - Sciatica (ischial bursitis)
4 - Iliotibial band syndrome (trochanteric bursitis)
5 - Medial collateral ligament or medial meniscal injuries (pes anserinus bursitis)
6 - Knee septic arthritis (prepatellar bursitis)
7 - Rotator cuff tear or impingement (subacromial bursitis)
8 - osteoarthritis

Answer 6

8 - osteoarthritis

Question 7

Bursitis typically clears on its own. Which of the following is not part of the early conservative management?

1 - Rest
2 - Heat
3 - Compression
4 - NSAIDs
5 - padding

Answer 7

2 - Heat

• ice is normally advised

Question 8

Can an aspiration of bursitis be useful?

Answer 8

• yes
• BUT must be under strict aseptic conditions

Question 9

Can a steroid injection be useful in bursitis?

Answer 9

• occasionally
• BUT must be performed under strict aseptic consitions