Patient's question:
Is bursitis and synovitis the same disease? My uncle suffered from bursitis, and my cousin said he knew about this disease, but in fact, it's called synovitis. I feel it's not right. I want to know if these two diseases are the same? Do they require the same treatment? If not, what are the differences?Doctor's answer:
Periostitis and synovitis are not the same disease because the periosteum is a layer of fibrous tissue outside the cortical bone tissue, while the synovium is an epithelial tissue covering the joint capsule within the joint cavity. The periosteum is a crucial tissue for bone growth and repair, whereas the synovium is responsible for secreting joint fluid, maintaining joint lubrication, and nourishing the articular cartilage. Both can develop aseptic inflammation again, but since they are located in different parts, the treatment methods will never be the same.