The olecranon bursa is synovial membrane located immediately posterior to the olecranon bone of the elbow. The bursa's function is to allow the bony olecranon to glide smoothly across the overlying tissues with flexion and extension of the elbow. Olecranon bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa. The superficial location and limited vascularity make the bursa susceptible to trauma and infection. The diagnosis of olecranon bursitis is often made by clinical evaluation alone without the aid of objective diagnostic testing. However, diagnostic tests become very important when considering the risk of alternative diagnoses or the presence of infection.
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Olecranon bursitis is relatively common with posterior elbow pain causing pain/limitation of activities. #ElbowBursitis most often affects men 30-60 yrs old. 2/3 of cases are nonseptic (no infection) and occur w/ repeated trauma or sports injuries lead to bleeding into the bursa + release of inflammatory mediators. Long-term hemodialysis treatment, uremia or a mechanical factor can be a cause of inflammation (Technicians who crawl on their knees in tight spaces and lean on their elbows are very susceptible). Inflammation may also be due to a systematic inflammatory process (rheumatoid arthritis) or crystal deposition disease (gout, pseudogout)
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Treatment depends largely on whether it is infective or noninfective. Acute noninfective bursitis is self-limited and can be managed conservatively with rest, ice, and NSAIDs. Elastic bandages have been shown to help prevent swelling. Some studies have suggested that corticosteroid injection can result in an early reduction in symptoms of olecranon bursitis (may carry up to 10% risk of iatrogenic infection). Up to 25% of patients tx w/ aspiration will have persistent/recurrent swelling at 8 wks, and up to 10% will have persistent symptoms at 6 mos. With repeated episodes, bursectomy (removal of bursa) can be considered. Underlying bone spur is indicative of risk for recurrence. Evidence of systemic infection may include further evaluation of severe sepsis/septic shock with the appropriate treatment #elbowbursitis #elbowinjury #bursitis

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