Bursitis

Bursae act as friction-reducing cushions around joints. Inflammation of a bursa, called bursitis, may occur if it is put under prolonged or repeated stress. The bursa becomes tender and swollen, and movement of the joint is restricted.

The knee is most commonly affected, especially as a result of frequent kneeling, but the elbow or other joints may also be affected. Bursitis may also follow injury or unaccustomed exercise. Certain joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, increase the risk of bursitis. Rarely, the condition is due to a bacterial infection. Your doctor will probably diagnose bursitis from a physical examination. Treatment includes resting the affected joint.


Your doctor may also recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and application of ice packs. However, if symptoms persist, he or she may drain the bursa and inject it with a corticosteroid drug to reduce inflammation. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics will be prescribed, in which case the symptoms usually subside within a few days. If bursitis is persistent or recurrent, surgical removal of the bursa may be necessary.

ARTHROSCOPY

In arthroscopy, the inside of a joint is inspected with a viewing instrument called an arthroscope. The procedure is most commonly used to inspect the inside of the knee joint and to treat disorders such as a damaged cartilage. It may be performed under general or local anaesthesia. The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the skin. Surgical instruments can then be passed down through the arthroscope or through other incisions. During the examination, the surgeon can remove or repair tissue, such as damaged cartilage, or shave the surface of the patella (kneecap).