Which shoulder condition is characterized by inflammation of the bursa?

Bursitis is a condition defined by inflammation of the bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues in the joints. In the shoulder, when the bursa becomes inflamed, it leads to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. This inflammation often results from repetitive movements, injury, or conditions such as arthritis.

In the context of shoulder ailments, while conditions like tendinitis, capsulitis, and rotator cuff tears can also result in shoulder pain and dysfunction, they involve different underlying structures and processes. Tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons. Capsulitis, often referred to as frozen shoulder, involves inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule itself. A rotator cuff tear consists of a tear in one of the rotator cuff tendons, not inflammation of the bursa.

The hallmark of bursitis is specifically the inflammation of the bursa, making it the correct answer in this instance.