The Subacromial Bursa: Current Concepts Review

The subacromial bursa is a distinct anatomic structure with distinct histologic features; it plays a critical role in the symptoms of the painful shoulder and in the local healing capacity of the rotator cuff tendon.

Treatment of pain from bursitis of the subacromial bursa largely involves nonoperative interventions; however, operative treatment may be considered in certain instances.

Preservation of the subacromial bursa should occur whenever possible given its intrinsic trophic and pluripotent factors, which have been shown to play important roles in rotator cuff tendon pathology.