Clinical Features

inflammation of the olecranon bursa typically caused by acute direct trauma or prolonged pressure

• Localized swelling and fluctuance over the extensor surface of the elbow

• Significant tenderness, erythema, and warmth may indicate septic bursitis.

• Subacromial bursitis: inflammation of the subacromial bursa often caused by repetitive overhead motion

  • Shoulder pain exacerbated by reaching up

  • Anterolateral tenderness below the acromion

  • Positive shoulder impingement tests (e.g., pain with shoulder abduction beyond 60°)

inflammation of the prepatellar bursa typically caused by chronic pressure on flexed knees (sometimes referred to as “housemaid's knee”) or acute direct trauma [1][2]

• Localized swelling and fluctuance over the kneecap

• Significant tenderness, erythema, and warmth may indicate septic bursitis.

inflammation of the anserine bursa, often secondary to overuse in runners, or in middle-aged women in association with obesity and osteoarthritis

• Medial knee pain that is worse when rising from a seated position or walking up stairs [2]

• Localized tenderness and, sometimes, swelling over the anserine bursa

• Can be associated with tendinopathy of pes anserinus and inflammation at its insertion site (See “Pes anserine pain syndrome.”)

inflammation of the trochanteric bursa (rare)

• Lateral hip pain with localized tenderness over the greater trochanter

• Can be associated with gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy