Olecranon Bursitis Flashcards
What is another name for olecranon bursitis?
Student’s elbow
Who is affected by olecranon bursitis?
People who lean on their elbows for prolonged periods of time
-Students
-Plumbers
-Drivers
How does olecranon bursitis present?
Swollen
Warm
Tender
Fluctuant
What features of bursitis indicate infection?
Hot to touch
More tender
Erythema spreading to surround skin
Fever
Features of sepsis
When should septic arthritis be considered in olecranon bursitis?
Swelling in joint rather than bursa
Painful and reduced range of motion in elbow
What do these different fluids from aspiration suggest?
Pus
Straw-coloured
Blood-stained
Milky
Pus
Infection
Straw-coloured
Infection is less likely
Blood-stained
Trauma, infection or inflammatory causes
Milky
Gout or pseudogout
Why should aspiration be carried out before administering antibiotics?
Fluid is sent for gram-staining and to look for crystals
Identifies the cause rather than guessing
What is the management of olecranon bursitis?
Rest
Ice
Compression
Analgesia
Protect elbow from trauma
Fluid aspiration
Steroid injections (where infection is excluded)
What management is used for olecranon bursitis where infection is suspected?
Aspiration of fluid for microscopy and culture
Antibiotics
What antibiotics are given for suspected infection with olecranon bursitis?
Flucloxacillin first-line
Clarithromycin as an alternative
