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.
