Bursectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a small, fluid-filled sac (bursa) within a joint when it becomes inflamed (bursitis). The bursa act as cushions for bones, and the muscles and tendons which are located near them. Inflammation is more likely to develop in joints that perform repetitive motions.

What happens in a bursectomy?

A foot bursectomy is an orthopedic procedure performed to remove a painful bursa. During a foot bursectomy, your orthopedic surgeon will remove one of the painful bursae sacs around the heel. New bursae that are less likely to become irritated will form in the place where the removed one previously was.

Does bursa grow back after bursectomy?

In a bursectomy the bursa is cut out either endoscopically or with open surgery. The bursa grows back in place after a couple of weeks but without any inflammatory component.