Description
The bursae of the upper limb are sac-like structures, with an inner synovial membrane that produces a thin film of synovial fluid. They sit between bony prominences and structures that may oppose them, such as tendons, ligaments, or skin, during movement.
The majority of the bursae of the shoulder joint are located between the subscapularis muscle and the synovial capsule of the shoulder joint; the bursae of the elbow joint are situated adjacent the olecranon of the ulna.
Inflammation of a bursa is known as bursitis. If it is due to injury or strain and no infection is present, it is known as aseptic bursitis. Septic bursitis results when a bursa has been infected by bacteria.
Related parts of the anatomy
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Upper Limb Disorder
Work-related upper limb disorder is a non-specific diagnosis for pain in the hand, wrist or, in particular, forearm once more discrete clinical conditions such as epicondylitis, tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome have been excluded.
