A bursal sac is filled with fluid that provides a cushion between muscles/tendons and bones to decrease friction and irritation. There are bursal sacs around most of the body's joints. When a bursal sac gets infected or inflamed, it can lead to a painful condition called "bursitis." Although often caused by repetitive movement or overuse of a joint during sports or intense physical activity, bursitis can also result from injury, or arthritis of a joint.
The most common symptoms of bursitis are pain, stiffness, swelling and tenderness, usually in the joints of the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee or ankle. The heel and Achilles tendon can also be affected. Pain, which can develop gradually or be sudden and severe, may be accompanied by decreased mobility of the joint.
If conservative treatment methods are unsuccessful in treating the pain and discomfort caused by bursitis, bursal sac injections can be an effective way of reducing inflammation and diminishing pain. Anti-inflammatory steroid medication is injected directly into the bursal sac; as inflammation decreases, pain and discomfort subside, often for a few weeks or months. In some cases, one injection may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms.
What happens during a bursa sac injection?
A medical professional uses a small needle to inject a local anesthetic, steroid, or orthobiologic into or around the bursa, usually with ultrasound or x-ray guidance. On occasion, excess fluid may also be aspirated.
What is the purpose of a bursa sac injection?
If anesthetic is injected, it provides immediate pain relief. If a steroid is injected, it reduces inflammation and swelling (may take several days to take full effect). If orthobiologic is injected, it strives to eliminate the cause of the inflammation by repairing problematic tendons and ligaments, offering a longer term solution (may take several months to take full effect).
Who might need a bursa sac injection?
People who have painful acute or chronic bursitis (excessive swelling of a fluid pocket in the vicinity of joints, tendons or ligaments) are excellent candidate for these injections.
When can I return to normal activity?
You can usually drive yourself home after the procedure and may be able to return to normal activity the next day. Some people may need to limit use of the injected area for several days due to increased pain at the injection site.
