ABOUT US
ABOUT US
ABOUT US

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Shoulder and Knee Specialist
ELBOW OLECRANON BURSITIS KANDIL NOTES
INTRODUCTION​
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Elbow olecranon bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of one of the elbow bursae between the elbow olecranon bone and overlying skin
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A bursa is a fluid filled sac that serves as a lubricant between muscles/tendons to allow for smooth frictionless motion
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When irritated, the bursa inflames and becomes filled with fluid, thereby causing pain
CAUSES
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There are many potential causes for elbow olecranon bursitis. Most commonly, it is due to hitting the elbow on a hard surface or repetitive activity involving the elbow rubbing against the overlying skin and leading to inflammation
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Other causes include direct trauma or fall on the elbow, tendinopathy of surrounding tendons, or idiopathic with no known cause
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
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Patients with elbow olecranon bursitis have pain in the back of the elbow
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They often report tenderness to palpation over the back of the elbow and pain with repetitive elbow motion
TREATMENT​​
A course of rest, compression wrap, ice, and anti-inflammatories is the mainstay of treatment for elbow olecranon bursitis
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Aspiration may be an option in patients with significant elbow olecranon bursitis
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If there is concern, aspiration and antibiotics may be started
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Surgery is only considered in patients with failure of extensive conservative management
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Surgery consists of bursa excision
PREVENTION
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Avoiding constant resting of the elbow on hard surfaces without pads and repetitive elbow motions can help decrease the chance of elbow olecranon bursitis
