Olecranon Bursitis

Question 1

What is the etiology?

Answer 1

1. Inflammation
2. Trauma
   *pressure on elbow (at rest on firm surfaces)
3. Infection
4. Gout, RA, septic bursitis

Question 2

What is the presentation of olecranon bursitis

Answer 2

1. Swelling
2. Pain
3. Heat
   *abrupt “goose egg”

Question 3

What will be found on the PE?

Answer 3

1. Mass over olecranon
2. Decreased ROM with flexion
   *due to the tightness around elbow
3. Erythema
4. Warmth
5. Chronic is less tender, less red and warm

Question 4

What are the diagnostic tests?

Answer 4

1. Aspiration
   *WBC
   *crystals
   *gram stain
   * C&S
2. Radiographs (if trauma or fracture)
3. MRI (maybe)

Question 5

What is the treatment of olecranon bursitis?

Answer 5

1. Aspiration (with cortisone if no infection)
   *no CI increases the risk of it filling up
2. NSAIDs
3. Elbow pads, no resting on hard/firm surfaces
4. Compression

Question 6

When would surgery be indicated

Answer 6

1. If there is recurrence
   *will be increase risk of infection
2. Cosmetic purposes

Question 7

What is the treatment for septic bursitis?

Answer 7

1. Aspiration and antibiotics
   *surgical excision is recommended treatment and antibiotics