In suspected septic bursitis, which procedure is indicated?

In suspected septic bursitis, which procedure is indicated?

• A. Fluid aspiration
• B. Immediate corticosteroid injection
• C. Oral antibiotics only
• D. Observation without intervention

Answer: (A)

When infection of a bursa is suspected, the priority is to confirm infection and relieve the joint-like swelling by aspirating the bursal fluid. Fluid aspiration provides material for Gram stain and culture, helping distinguish septic bursitis from noninfectious bursitis, and it also removes purulent fluid to reduce pain and pressure. This diagnostic and therapeutic step guides targeted antibiotics and ongoing management. Immediate corticosteroid injection would risk spreading or masking infection and is not appropriate when septic etiologies are suspected. Relying on oral antibiotics alone without drainage may miss an established infection and won’t provide the diagnostic material needed to confirm septic bursitis. Observation without intervention risks progression to systemic infection or local complications.

When infection of a bursa is suspected, the priority is to confirm infection and relieve the joint-like swelling by aspirating the bursal fluid. Fluid aspiration provides material for Gram stain and culture, helping distinguish septic bursitis from noninfectious bursitis, and it also removes purulent fluid to reduce pain and pressure. This diagnostic and therapeutic step guides targeted antibiotics and ongoing management.

Immediate corticosteroid injection would risk spreading or masking infection and is not appropriate when septic etiologies are suspected. Relying on oral antibiotics alone without drainage may miss an established infection and won’t provide the diagnostic material needed to confirm septic bursitis. Observation without intervention risks progression to systemic infection or local complications.