| Examples of bursae: The subacromial bursa/subdeltoid bursa is about the size of a half dollar and is located deep to the deltoid between the tendon of the supraspinatus and joint capsule. The subacromial/subdeltoid bursa has an extension which courses beneath the acromion and the coracoacromial ligament. The subacromial/subdeltoid bursa facilitates movement of the deltoid over the joint capsule and supraspinatus tendon. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is supraspinatus tendonitis. Since the subacromial/subdeltoid bursa overlies the supraspinatus tendon, the bursa may become irritated and ultimately fuse to the supraspinatus tendon and joint capsule in the event of supraspinatus tendonitis or rupture. Accompanying this irritation and fusion are typically shoulder pain and painful movements, giving way to the classic description of "bursitis," (shoulder pain around the acromion, "painful arc" with movement).
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