The subacromial bursa is located under the acromial arch and deltoid and above the rotator cuff tendons.
The subacromial bursa protects the rotator cuff tendons fromfriction that occurs with overhead shoulder movements.
Often associated with rotator cuff tendinitis.
Incidence increases with age.
Patients often complain of lateral shoulder pain with abduction.
Treatment includes avoidance exacerbating activities, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and intra-joint corticosteroids and lidocaine.