What is the treatment for septic bursitis?

There are two key components in the treatment of septic bursitis: drainage and antibiotics.

Drainage can usually be achieved by inserting a needle into the bursa and draining the infected fluid through the needle. An imaging test, such as ultrasound, may be used to guide the insertion of the needle into the proper location. If the infection is not well-drained in this way or if the infection persists or returns, surgery may be necessary to adequately drain the fluid and eliminate the infection.

The choice of antibiotics is guided by testing of the infected bursal fluid. Most of the time, the organism is a common bacterial species, including one of those normally found on the skin.