04/10/2025
Varying slightly between individuals, there are typically at least four major bursae in each shoulder. Some have up to five or six when including smaller or less consistently present bursae.
Bursae (s) of the shoulder:
* Subacromial bursa: This is a large and clinically significant bursa located beneath the acromion (the bony projection on the top of your shoulder blade). It often communicates with the subdeltoid bursa.
* Subdeltoid bursa: Situated beneath the deltoid muscle, this bursa often merges with the subacromial bursa to form the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa.
* Subscapular bursa (or subscapularis recess): Located between the subscapularis tendon and the neck of the scapula.
* Subcoracoid bursa: Found between the coracoid process (another bony projection on the shoulder blade) and the subscapularis tendon.
* Coracoclavicular bursa: Located between the coracoid process and the clavicle.
* Supra-acromial bursa: Situated on top of the acromion.
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs like tiny cushions that help reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles around your shoulder joint, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement. When these bursae become inflamed and or injured can be painful and called bursitis.
