Which statement best describes the infection risk for bursae?

• A. They can get infected and inflamed
• B. They cannot get infected
• C. They are always inflamed
• D. They never swell

Answer: (A)

Bursae can be infected and inflamed. Bursitis can be non-infectious (from irritation or overuse) or septic when bacteria invade the bursa, often via a skin break, nearby infection, or after procedures. This means there is a real infection risk, though not all bursitis is infected. In septic bursitis, you typically see swelling and warmth of the joint area, sometimes fever, and the diagnosis is confirmed by analyzing aspirated fluid and treating with antibiotics and sometimes drainage. The other statements are not accurate: bursae can be infected, they are not always inflamed, and they can swell when bursitis occurs.