Bursectomy: Surgical Removal of a Bursa

Bursectomy = excision of a synovial bursa, typically for chronic/recurrent bursitis unresponsive to conservative care.

Common Sites

• Subacromial (shoulder) — arthroscopic or open
• Olecranon (elbow) — often open, skin incision
• Trochanteric (hip) — endoscopic or open
• Prepatellar/Infrapatellar (knee)
• Retrocalcaneal (heel) — with Achilles debridement

Indications

• Septic bursitis (after antibiotics)
• Chronic inflammatory (RA, gout)
• Recurrent traumatic/occupational
• Symptomatic despite 3–6 mo conservative Rx

Example

"The patient underwent endoscopic bursectomy for refractory trochanteric bursitis."