Bursectomy for Chronic Bursitis in Hilo, HI
Bursitis can cause persistent pain and swelling in the elbow, hip, knee, or shoulder. When conservative treatment does not bring lasting relief, Dr. Peter A. Matsuura at Peter A. Matsuura, MD. offers both open and arthroscopic bursectomy in Hilo, HI to remove the inflamed bursa and help you move comfortably again.
What Is Bursitis?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can swell and cause pain, a condition known as bursitis. Common locations include the elbow (olecranon bursitis), the outside of the hip (trochanteric bursitis), the front of the knee (prepatellar bursitis), and the shoulder (subacromial bursitis). Bursitis may be caused by repetitive motion, prolonged pressure, injury, or infection.
Conservative Treatment Comes First
Most cases of bursitis improve with rest, ice, activity modification, padding, anti-inflammatory measures, and in some cases draining the fluid or a corticosteroid injection. Stretching and strengthening exercises can also reduce stress on the area.
When a Bursectomy May Be Recommended
Surgery may be recommended when bursitis becomes chronic, keeps returning, significantly limits your activity, or does not respond to other treatments. During a bursectomy, Dr. Matsuura removes the inflamed bursa. Your body can form a new, healthy bursa over time.
- Open bursectomy removes the bursa through a small incision and is often used at the elbow or knee.
- Arthroscopic bursectomy uses a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions and is often performed in the hip or as part of arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Recovery After a Bursectomy
Bursectomy is usually an outpatient procedure. Patients may wear a protective dressing or splint for a short time and gradually return to normal activity as the incision heals. Dr. Matsuura will provide a personalized recovery plan based on the joint involved.
Learn about related conditions such as tennis elbow and hip arthritis treated with total hip replacement, or call (808) 969-3331 to schedule an evaluation. You can also view all of our orthopaedic services.
Bursectomy FAQs
What is a bursectomy?
A bursectomy is a surgical procedure to remove an inflamed or infected bursa, the small fluid-filled sac that cushions tissues near a joint.
Which joints can be treated with a bursectomy?
Bursectomy is commonly performed at the elbow, hip, knee, and shoulder.
What is the difference between open and arthroscopic bursectomy?
Open bursectomy removes the bursa through a small incision, while arthroscopic bursectomy uses a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions.
Will my bursa grow back?
Your body can form a new, healthy bursa over time, which usually does not cause the same problems.
Is bursectomy an outpatient procedure?
Yes. Most patients go home the same day.
Can bursitis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most bursitis improves with rest, ice, padding, anti-inflammatory measures, and sometimes injections.
How long is recovery after a bursectomy?
Recovery depends on the joint and technique, but many patients return to light activities within a few weeks.