Predisposing factors, bacteriology and antibiotic therapy in 35 cases of septic bursitis.

In a retrospective study the etiology was verified in 35/52 patients with suspected septic prepatellar or olecranon bursitis. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen and 86% of them were penicillinase-producing. Other strains were streptococci. Mean age was 47 (18-83) years and males predominated (91%). Predisposing factors were seen in most cases. Preceding trauma was found in 27 and/or associated diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus) in 11 patients. Hyperglycemia was found in 38% of the patients. Treatment with antimicrobial agents, mostly penicillins, and bursal drainage were successful in 32 cases. Two patients had local spread of the infection and 1 patient chronic bursitis.