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Infections of Bursae and Tendons

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Orthopedic Infection

Part of the book series: Clinical Topics in Infectious Disease ((CLIN.TOP.INFECT))

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Abstract

Although numerous bursae are scattered throughout the musculoskeletal system, infection within these structures is confined mainly to those that are situated in superficial areas of the extremities. Similarly, tendon sheaths in the peripheral areas become infected, usually those in the hands and feet. In great part, this localization results from the fact that the readily accessible location of bursae allows direct inoculation of microorganisms through the skin and sparse overlying connective tissue. Joints, which are another synovial-lined cavity, are less frequently invaded by this route because they are protected by a tough fibrous capsule, strong enough to maintain correct anatomic alignment, and also are situated beneath tendons and bursae in the extremities. Less commonly, all these synovial-lined structures, whether superficial or deep, can be infected by blood-borne microorganisms from another site in the host.

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Authors
  1. Edmund G. LaCour
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  2. Frank R. Schmid
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19125, USA

    David Schlossberg M.D., F.A.C.P. (Professor of Medicine, Director) (Professor of Medicine, Director)

  2. Department of Medicine, Episcopal Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19125, USA

    David Schlossberg M.D., F.A.C.P. (Professor of Medicine, Director) (Professor of Medicine, Director)

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LaCour, E.G., Schmid, F.R. (1988). Infections of Bursae and Tendons. In: Schlossberg, D. (eds) Orthopedic Infection. Clinical Topics in Infectious Disease. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3870-6_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3870-6_8

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