What is the medical term for the surgical removal of the bursa?

The surgical removal of the bursa is referred to by the term "bursectomy." This term is derived from the word "bursa," which is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and tendons or muscles around joints. The suffix "-ectomy" refers to the surgical removal of a specific body part. Therefore, combining these two elements, "bursectomy" specifically indicates the procedure involving the removal of a bursa.

In contrast, "bursitis" describes the inflammation of a bursa, not a surgical procedure. "Bursaextomy" is not a recognized medical term and does not accurately represent the surgical removal of a bursa. "Arthrectomy," while also a surgical term, specifically refers to the excision of a joint, not a bursa. Understanding these definitions helps clarify why "bursectomy" is the correct term for the surgical procedure in question.