American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What condition involves inflammation of the bursa?

1. Arthrodesis

2. Bursitis

3. Arthralgia

4. Arthritis

The correct answer is: Bursitis

Bursitis is the condition that involves inflammation of the bursa, which are small, fluid-filled sacs located near joints. These sacs serve to reduce friction between tissues, such as muscles and bones, and help facilitate smooth movement. When the bursa becomes inflamed, typically due to injury, overuse, or infection, it results in bursitis, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement in the affected area. Understanding the other terms helps clarify why bursitis is the appropriate answer. Arthrodesis refers to a surgical procedure that permanently joins two bones together at a joint, which does not involve bursa inflammation. Arthralgia is a term used to describe joint pain in general, and while it may occur alongside bursitis, it does not specifically denote the inflammation of a bursa. Arthritis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the joints themselves, rather than the bursa. Therefore, bursitis directly addresses the specific condition of bursa inflammation.