From the Guidelines
Adventitial bursitis is an inflammatory condition that can be effectively diagnosed and managed with ultrasound (US) guidance, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Definition and Diagnosis
Adventitial bursitis is an inflammatory condition affecting a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues in the body. This condition specifically involves inflammation of an adventitial bursa, which is not a naturally occurring bursa but rather one that develops in response to abnormal pressure or friction. Common locations for adventitial bursitis include the knuckles, outside of the hip, and the ball of the foot.
Symptoms and Treatment
The condition typically presents with localized pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness over the affected area. Treatment usually involves rest, ice application, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily) or naproxen (500mg twice daily) for 1-2 weeks can help reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be necessary, as suggested by Robbins et al 1.
Diagnostic Tools
US can be used to detect adventitial bursitis, as well as other findings such as joint effusions, bursal collections, capsular and bursal thickening, and synovitis 1. According to Douis et al 1, differentiation between bursitis and gluteus medius tendinosis may be difficult, and the 2 may coexist.
Key Points
- Adventitial bursitis is an inflammatory condition that can be diagnosed and managed with US guidance.
- Treatment involves rest, ice, compression, elevation, and NSAIDs, with corticosteroid injections for more severe cases.
- US can detect adventitial bursitis and other related findings.
- Differentiation between bursitis and gluteus medius tendinosis may be difficult, and the 2 may coexist. Some key points to consider when diagnosing and managing adventitial bursitis include:
- The use of US to guide injections and diagnose bursitis 1.
- The importance of addressing the underlying cause of the condition, such as ill-fitting footwear or repetitive pressure.
- The potential for infection, which requires prompt medical attention and antibiotics 1.
From the Research
Definition of Adventitial Bursitis
- Adventitial bursitis is a type of bursitis that occurs when a bursa forms in response to repeated friction or pressure on a specific area of the body 2.
- It is also known as adventitious bursa, and it can occur in various parts of the body, including the joints and soft tissues.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Adventitial bursitis is often caused by mechanical stress or friction on a specific area of the body, such as the stump of an amputee 2.
- It can also be caused by other factors, such as inflammation or infection.
- People who are at risk of developing adventitial bursitis include those who have undergone amputations, have joint or soft tissue injuries, or engage in activities that involve repetitive friction or pressure on a specific area of the body.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Adventitial bursitis can be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can help identify the location and extent of the bursitis 2.
- Treatment for adventitial bursitis typically involves reducing the mechanical stress or friction on the affected area, and may include modifying the prosthetic device or using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- NSAIDs have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis and other conditions, but their use should be monitored and individualized to specific requirements due to the risk of adverse effects 3, 4, 5, 6.