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Olecranon Bursitis

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Olecranon bursitis — causes, symptoms, and when to seek urgent medical attention for infection.

Updated Jun 2026
Isang guhit-kamay na ilustrasyon ng isang walang mukhang tao na nakapatong ang baluktot na siko sa isang mesa, na may pamamaga at malambot na bulsa sa dulo ng siko.
Olecranon bursitis: ang fluid-filled na cushion (bursa) sa ibabaw ng matalas na bahagi ng siko ay namamaga, na nagdudulot ng katangiang 'goose egg' na bulto na makikita dito. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Ang pahinang ito ay isinalin ng makina at hindi pa nasusuri ng isang doktor. Ang bersyong Ingles ang siyang opisyal.

Ang nararamdaman mo

Maaaring mapansin mo ang pamamaga na buntot sa dulo ng iyong siko. Ang pamamagang ito ay dulot ng pag-ipon ng likido sa bursa, isang maliit na bulsa na puno ng likido at nagsisilbing panangga sa iyong buto. Maaaring maramdaman mong masakit o sensitibo ang lugar kapag hinawakan. Maaari ka ring maranasan ang sakit, lalo na kung ang pamamaga ay dulot ng impeksyon o kung nawalan ng suplay ng dugo ang tisyu ng buto. Ang kombinasyon ng pamamaga at sakit ay maaaring magdulot ng hindi komportableng pang-araw-araw na buhay.

Nagiging mahirap ang mga simpleng galaw kapag pamaga ang iyong siko. Maaaring mahirapan kang pahigpitin ang iyong siko sa isang mesa o desk. Ang mga gawain na nangangailangan ng ganap na pagbaluktot ng iyong braso, tulad ng pag-abot sa likod upang isara ang bra, ay maaaring maging masakit. Kahit ang pagtatakip ng damit o pag-angat ng magaan na mga bagay ay maaaring maramdaman mong nakakahiya o hindi komportable. Ang pamamaga ay maaaring limitahan ang antas ng pagtuwid o pagbaluktot ng iyong braso.

Karaniwang lumala ang sakit pagkatapos mong gamitin ang iyong mga braso ng ilang panahon. Maaari ring mas malala ito sa gabi, na nagpapatigil sa paghahanap ng komportableng posisyon sa pagtulog. Ang pagtulog sa apektadong gilid ay nagbibigay ng direktang presyon sa pamagang bursa, na maaaring maging napakasakit. Maaaring mapansin mo na ang pagpapahinga ng iyong braso ay nakakatulong upang bawasan ang hindi komportableng pakiramdam, ngunit hindi laging naglalaan ang matagalang kawalan ng galaw sa pamamaga. Kung tumagal ang pamamaga, maaaring ito ay nagpapahiwatig ng mas kumplikadong isyu na nangangailangan ng tiyak na pansin mula sa iyong surgeon.

Ano ang nangyayari talaga

Mayroon kang maliit na bagay na puno ng likido na tinatawag na olecranon bursa sa iyong siko. Nakaupo ito direkta sa itaas ng dulo ng buto ng iyong siko. Isipin mo ito bilang isang maliit na lobo ng tubig na nagsisilbing kusina. Pinapayagan nito ang iyong balat na dumulas nang maayos sa buto kapag yumuyuko ka ng iyong braso.

Kapag nalantad ang bagay na ito, puno ito ng sobrang likido. Nagdudulot ito ng pamamaga at sakit sa dulo ng iyong siko. Ang kondisyong ito ay tinatawag na olecranon bursitis. Maaari itong mangyari dahil sa biglang pagkakahagpis, tulad ng pagkabagsak sa iyong siko. Maaari rin itong dulot ng paghiga sa matigas na ibabaw sa loob ng mahabang panahon. Minsan, isang impeksyon o ibang sakit ang nagpapakilala nito.

Sa ilang kaso, hindi nawawala ang pamamaga nang sarili. Maaaring manatiling makapal ang likido o magbago itong maging scar tissue. Ito ay kilala bilang chronic bursitis. Maaaring maramdaman mo ang matigas na bulsa sa ilalim ng balat. Tinatawag itong olecranon cord. Maaari nitong gawing matigas o mahigpit ang iyong siko.

Kung ang pamamaga ay dulot ng impeksyon, tinatawag itong septic bursitis. Kailangang agad itong gamutin ng iyong surgeon. Maaaring kumalat ang mga hindi na-gamot na impeksyon. Sa ilang kaso, bumubuo ang katawan ng dagdag na buto sa malambot na tissue sa paligid ng siko. Tinatawag itong heterotopic ossification. Maaari nitong limitahan ang kakayahan mong yumuko ng iyong braso. Ang pag-alis ng dagdag na buto nang maaga ay madalas tumutulong upang muling makuha ang galaw nang mas mabilis.

Titingnan ng iyong surgeon kung ano ang nagdudulot ng pamamaga. Ang karamihan sa mga kaso ay gumagaling sa pamamagitan ng pahinga, yelo, at compression. Maaaring hindi mo kailanganin ang operasyon. Kung patuloy na bumabalik ang pamamaga, maaaring ibuga ng iyong surgeon ang likido. Maaari rin silang gumamit ng karayom upang i-inject ang gamot upang bawasan ang sac. Tinatawag itong sclerotherapy.

Sa bihirang kaso, kailangan ng operasyon. Maaaring alisin ng iyong surgeon ang buong sac ng bursa. Tinatawag itong bursectomy. Pinapayagan ng mga modernong teknika na gawin ito gamit ang maliliit na hiwa. Karaniwang mabilis ang paggaling. Ang karamihan sa mga tao ay bumabalik sa normal na mga gawain kaagad pagkatapos. Gayunpaman, humigit-kumulang 11.5% ng mga pasyente ay nangangailangan ng isa pang prosedura pagkatapos ng operasyon. Ang ilang mga pasyente na may mga scar tissue cord ay mas kaunti ang kasiyahan sa resulta. Tatalakayin ng iyong surgeon ang pinakamainam na opsyon para sa iyo batay sa iyong partikular na sitwasyon.

Ano ang maaari naming gawin para dito

Simulan namin ito sa self-care at physiotherapy. Maaari mong pahingahin ang iyong siko at maglagay ng yelo upang bawasan ang pamamaga. Gabay ng iyong physiotherapist ang mga banayad na galaw upang panatilihing flexible ang joint. Iwasan ng ganitong paraan ang invasive na mga prosedura. Ipakita ng kamakailang literatura na madalas ito ang pinakamainam na unang hakbang para sa nonseptic bursitis ang noninvasive na pamamahala. Binabawasan nito ang mga panganib kumpara sa mga injection o operasyon. Karamihan sa mga kaso ng uncomplicated septic bursitis ay gumagaling lamang sa pamamagitan ng empirical na pamamahala. Bigyan mo ang conservative na pag-aalagang ito ng sapat na oras upang maging epektibo bago isaalang-alang ang mas aggressive na mga opsyon.

Kung mananatili ang sakit, maaaring talakayin ng iyong surgeon ang medical na pamamahala. Para sa mga bacterial na impeksyon, ang antibiotics ang pangunahing gamutan. Sa ilang kaso ng recurrent bursitis na hindi tumutugon sa standard na pag-aalaga, maaaring imungkahi ng iyong surgeon ang intrabursal doxycycline sclerotherapy. Kasama nito ang pag-inject ng solusyon sa bursa upang ito ay mawalan ng sukat. Ito ay isang epektibong alternatibo sa operasyon para sa mga matigas na kaso. Para sa chronic o recurrent na noninfectious bursitis, ang hydrothermal ablation ay isa pang opsyon. Ginagamit nito ang init na nasa pagitan ng 50C at 52C upang gamutin ang lugar. Ito ay may mas kaunting komplikasyon kaysa sa open surgery at kasing epektibo. Habang sinusuportahan ng mga lumang pag-aaral ang mga injection para sa nonseptic bursitis, ipinapakita ng bagong ebidensya ang mga potensyal na adverse effects. Kaya’t inilaan namin ang mga injection para sa mga partikular na sitwasyon kung saan ito ay nag-aalok ng malinaw na benepisyo.

Ang operasyon ay isinasaalang-alang lamang kapag nabigo ang conservative na pag-aalaga. Kung magre-recurrence ang iyong bursitis o hindi magpapabuti sa pamamagitan ng gamot at pahinga, maaaring ipahiwatig ang surgical excision. Kinalilinis ng ganitong prosedura ang buong inflamed na bursa. Ito ay isang maaasahang solusyon para sa mga recurrent na kaso. Karaniwang maganda ang mga resulta pagkatapos ng surgical excision para sa parehong function at itsura. Sa ilang piniling kaso ng chronic traumatic bursitis, ang bursal suture repair ay isang viable na alternatibo sa pag-alis ng buong bursa. Pinagsasama ng paraang ito ang mga benepisyo sa function at cosmetic. Ang endoscopic debridement na pinagsama na compression suture ay isa pang minimally invasive na opsyon. Pinapayagan nito ang mabilis na paggaling na may kaunting postoperative na sakit at mababang rate ng recurrence. Pipili ang iyong surgeon ng pinakamainam na paraan batay sa iyong partikular na kondisyon at kasaysayan.

Ano ang inaasahan

Ang iyong prognosis ay nakadepende sa kadahilanan ng pamamaga at sa iyong pamamahala nito. Para sa karamihan ng mga kaso ng walang komplikasyon na septic bursitis, ang iyong surgeon ay maaaring gamutin ang impeksyon gamit ang antibiotics lamang. Sa mga sitwasyong ito, hindi kailangan ng operasyon, at karaniwang aalis ang kondisyon na may tamang pag-aalaga. Kung ang iyong bursitis ay hindi dulot ng impeksyon, ang mga kamakailang ebidensya ay nagpapakita na ang noninvasive na pamamahala ay madalas na mas ligtas at mas epektibo kaysa sa mga injection o operasyon para sa unang paggamot.

Kung ikaw ay may paulit-ulit na bursitis na hindi gumagaling sa conservative na pag-aalaga, ang iyong surgeon ay maaaring talakayin ang mga opsyon sa paggawa ng proseso. May ilang pasyente ang nakakaranas ng isang proseso na tinatawag na bursectomy, kung saan tinatanggal ang pamamagang bursa. Humigit-kumulang 11.5% ng mga pasyente ang nangangailangan ng pangalawang proseso pagkatapos ng operasyong ito. Kung ikaw ay may partikular na pagbabago sa tissue na kilala bilang olecranon cords, maaaring mas mababa ang iyong kasiyahan sa mga resulta ng surgical excision kumpara sa mga taong walang cords.

Sa ilang mga kaso, maaaring manatili o bumalik ang pamamaga. Kung ang iyong bursitis ay bumabalik nang paulit-ulit, maaaring ito ay nagpapahiwatig ng mas hindi karaniwang kadahilanan, tulad ng isang partikular na uri ng bacterial infection. Ang iyong surgeon ay malamang na kukuha ng mga sample ng tissue upang suriin ang mga mas bihirang kadahilanan. Para sa mga chronic o recurrent na kaso, ang mga bagong teknik tulad ng hydrothermal ablation (gamit ang init sa pagitan ng 50°C at 52°C) ay nag-aalok ng ligtas na alternatibo na may mas kaunting komplikasyon kaysa sa open surgery. Ang isa pang opsyon ay ang endoscopic debridement, na nangangailangan ng minimal na invasiveness at mabilis na paggaling na may mababang rate ng pagbabalik.

Habang ang mga lumang pag-aaral ay nagmumungkahi na ang mga injection at operasyon ay mga karaniwang solusyon para sa nonseptic bursitis, ang kasalukuyang datos ay nagbibigay-diin sa mga potensyal na adverse effects mula sa mga pamamaraan na ito. Dahil dito, malamang na ipinaprioritize ng iyong surgeon ang mas simpleng, noninvasive na hakbang muna. Kung ang operasyon ay maging kinakailangan, ang mga modernong paraan tulad ng endoscopic bursectomy ay nagpakita ng walang pagbabalik o komplikasyon sa paggaling ng sugat na nangangailangan ng pagbabalik sa operating room sa mga pinag-aralan na grupo. Iba-iba ang pakiramdam ng iyong paggaling depende sa piniling landas, ngunit ang layunin ay laging malutas ang pamamaga at ibalik ang kaginhawaan gamit ang pinakamainvasive na epektibong paggamot.

Kailan pumunta sa doktor

Kumonsulta sa iyong doktor kung may pamamaga sa siko na hindi gumagaling kahit magpahinga. Magpakonsulta sa espesyalista kung tumatagal ang pamamaga, kahit ikaw ay malusog. Maaaring ito ay senyales ng hindi karaniwang impeksyon. Humingi ng tulong kung paulit-ulit ang pamamaga, dahil maaaring kailanganin ang espesyal na mga pagsusuri. Mahirap malaman kung ang pamamaga ay dulot ng impeksyon o iba pang isyu. Pumunta sa doktor kung lumabas ang mga bukas na sugat sa balat na tila impeksyon. Magpakonsulta kung pakiramdam mo ay biglaang sakit o kahinaan sa siko. Kailangan ng tamang pagsusuri ang mga senyales na ito upang matukoy ang angkop na paggamot.

Reviewed by AI synthesis (v2) — pending human review · 18 May 2026.

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Evidence & references

Overview

  • Non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in patients aged ≥75 years provided excellent functional results at 6 months, without associated complications [1].
  • Nonsurgical management of olecranon bursitis is significantly more effective and safer than surgical management [2].
  • Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis should be considered in any patient with a swollen bursa and protracted course, regardless of immune status [3].
  • Intrabursal doxycycline sclerotherapy may be an effective alternative to surgical bursectomy for patients with recurrent olecranon bursitis refractory to conservative management [4].
  • Patients who underwent endoscopic olecranon bursectomy experienced no recurrences or wound-healing complications necessitating return to the operating room [5].
  • Empirical management of uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis was found to be effective with no patients requiring bursectomy, whereas 8 of 11 patients in the traditional aspiration group required bursectomy [6].
  • More recent literature demonstrates adverse effects of intrabursal injections and surgery compared with noninvasive management for initial treatment of nonseptic olecranon bursitis [7].
  • The revision rate after bursectomy for olecranon bursitis was 11.5% [8].
  • Hydrothermal ablation at temperatures between 50C and 52C is a safe treatment option for recurrent or chronic olecranon bursitis with fewer complications than open bursectomy and a comparable efficacy [11].
  • Patients with olecranon cords were less satisfied after surgical excision compared to those without cords [13].
  • Low-profile double-plate osteosynthesis is a safe and effective alternative treatment of olecranon fractures with excellent subjective and objective clinical outcome measures [14].
  • Endoscopic debridement combined with compression suture for the treatment of aseptic olecranon bursitis has several advantages: simple operation, minimal invasiveness, minimal postoperative pain, rapid recovery, a low recurrence rate, and satisfactory overall efficacy [16].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Posteromedial elbow impingement is a source of disability in overhead throwing athletes [12].
  • Boxers are prone to the development of anterior and posterior elbow impingement lesions involving the coronoid and olecranon process [33].
  • In boxer's elbow, the lead arm is more vulnerable to impingement lesions than the non-lead arm [33].
  • Evaluation and management of elbow injuries in young athletes requires knowledge of immature developing anatomy [25].

Classification

  • Non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in patients aged ≥75 years provided excellent functional results at 6 months, without associated complications [1].
  • Nonsurgical management of olecranon bursitis is significantly more effective and safer than surgical management [2].
  • Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis should be considered in any patient with a swollen bursa and protracted course, regardless of immune status [3].
  • Intrabursal doxycycline sclerotherapy may be an effective alternative to surgical bursectomy for patients with recurrent olecranon bursitis refractory to conservative management [4].
  • Patients who underwent endoscopic olecranon bursectomy for recalcitrant olecranon bursitis experienced no recurrences or wound-healing complications necessitating return to the operating room [5].
  • Empirical management of uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis was found to be effective with no patients requiring bursectomy, whereas 8 of 11 patients in the traditional aspiration group required bursectomy [6].
  • More recent literature demonstrates adverse effects of intrabursal injections and surgery compared with noninvasive management for initial treatment of nonseptic olecranon bursitis [7].
  • The revision rate after bursectomy for olecranon bursitis was 11.5% [8].
  • Excision has been curative for all lesions of the olecranon bursa, whereas multiple medications have been tried for cutaneous and systemic infections without clear-cut success [9].
  • Distinguishing between septic and aseptic olecranon bursitis can be difficult because the physical and laboratory data overlap [10].
  • Posteromedial elbow impingement is a source of disability in the overhead throwing athlete [12].
  • The first treatment line for olecranon bursitis is conservative, including ice, rest, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and, occasionally, bursal fluid aspiration [15].
  • Pyoderma gangrenosum must be considered in the differential diagnosis whenever a patient presents with ulcerative cutaneous lesions that resemble an infectious process such as olecranon bursitis [17].
  • The available evidence did not support the central European concept of immediate bursectomy in cases of septic bursitis [22].

Clinical Presentation

  • Non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in patients aged ≥75 years provided excellent functional results at 6 months, without associated complications [1].
  • Nonsurgical management of olecranon bursitis is significantly more effective and safer than surgical management [2].
  • Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis should be considered in any patient with a swollen bursa and protracted course, regardless of immune status [3].
  • Empirical management of uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis was found to be effective with no patients requiring bursectomy, whereas 8 of 11 patients in the traditional aspiration group required bursectomy [6].
  • Older studies showed resolution with injections and surgery, but more recent literature demonstrates adverse effects of intrabursal injections and surgery compared with noninvasive management for initial treatment of nonseptic olecranon bursitis [7].
  • The revision rate after bursectomy for olecranon bursitis was 11.5% [8].
  • Excision has been curative for all lesions of the olecranon bursa, whereas multiple medications have been tried for cutaneous and systemic infections without clear-cut success [9].
  • Distinguishing between septic and aseptic olecranon bursitis can be difficult because the physical and laboratory data overlap [10].
  • The first treatment line for olecranon bursitis is conservative, including ice, rest, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and, occasionally, bursal fluid aspiration [15].
  • PG must be considered in the differential diagnosis whenever a patient presents with ulcerative cutaneous lesions that resemble an infectious process such as olecranon bursitis [17].
  • Diagnosis and proper management of the infected bursa and dermatitis have prevented recurrence [31].
  • In the rheumatoid patient, septic arthritis of the elbow joint can mimic septic olecranon bursitis, and the fact that the elbow joint may also be involved should be suspected in the rheumatoid patient who has what appears to be a septic olecranon bursitis [34].

Investigations

  • Distinguishing between septic and aseptic olecranon bursitis can be difficult because physical and laboratory data overlap [10].
  • Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis should be considered in any patient with a swollen bursa and protracted course, regardless of immune status [3].
  • Pyoderma gangrenosum must be considered in the differential diagnosis whenever a patient presents with ulcerative cutaneous lesions that resemble an infectious process such as olecranon bursitis [17].
  • Early use of MRI and cautious interpretation of posterior elbow palpation signs are crucial parts of the diagnosis of osteochondral injury of the elbow trochlea [21].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Nonsurgical management of olecranon bursitis is significantly more effective and safer than surgical management [2].
  • Noninvasive management is preferred for the initial treatment of nonseptic olecranon bursitis due to adverse effects associated with intrabursal injections and surgery [7].
  • The first treatment line for olecranon bursitis is conservative, including ice, rest, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, and occasionally bursal fluid aspiration [15].
  • Empirical management of uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis without aspiration was effective, with no patients requiring bursectomy [6].
  • In a comparison of empirical management versus traditional aspiration for uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis, 8 of 11 patients in the traditional aspiration group required bursectomy [6].

Surgical and Interventional Management

  • Intrabursal doxycycline sclerotherapy may be an effective alternative to surgical bursectomy for patients with recurrent olecranon bursitis refractory to conservative management [4].
  • Hydrothermal ablation at temperatures between 50°C and 52°C is a safe treatment option for recurrent or chronic olecranon bursitis, offering fewer complications than open bursectomy and comparable efficacy [11].
  • Endoscopic debridement combined with compression suture for recalcitrant aseptic olecranon bursitis offers minimal invasiveness, minimal postoperative pain, rapid recovery, a low recurrence rate, and satisfactory overall efficacy [16].
  • Patients undergoing endoscopic olecranon bursectomy for recalcitrant olecranon bursitis experienced no recurrences or wound-healing complications necessitating return to the operating room [5].
  • The revision rate after bursectomy for olecranon bursitis is 11.5% [8].
  • Excision has been curative for lesions of the olecranon bursa, whereas multiple medications have been tried for cutaneous and systemic infections without clear-cut success [9].

Diagnostic Considerations Relevant to Treatment

  • Distinguishing between septic and aseptic olecranon bursitis can be difficult because physical and laboratory data overlap [10].
  • Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis should be considered in any patient with a swollen bursa and protracted course, regardless of immune status [3].

Complications

  • Non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in patients aged ≥75 years provided excellent functional results at 6 months without associated complications [1].
  • Nonsurgical management of olecranon bursitis is significantly more effective and safer than surgical management [2].
  • Intrabursal injections and surgery have adverse effects compared with noninvasive management for initial treatment of nonseptic olecranon bursitis [7].
  • The revision rate after bursectomy for olecranon bursitis was 11.5% [8].
  • Patients with olecranon cords were less satisfied after surgical excision compared to those without cords [13].
  • Plating of the olecranon leads to predictable union, though the most common complication was lack of full extension in 39% of patients [19].

Recovery

Non-Operative Management

  • Non-surgical management of olecranon bursitis is significantly more effective and safer than surgical management [2].
  • More recent literature demonstrates adverse effects of intrabursal injections and surgery compared with noninvasive management for initial treatment of nonseptic olecranon bursitis [7].
  • Empirical management of uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis without aspiration was found to be effective, with no patients requiring bursectomy [6].
  • In a comparison group, 8 of 11 patients in the traditional aspiration group required bursectomy for uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis [6].
  • The available evidence did not support the central European concept of immediate bursectomy in cases of septic bursitis [22].

Interventional and Operative Management

  • Intrabursal doxycycline sclerotherapy may be an effective alternative to surgical bursectomy for patients with recurrent olecranon bursitis refractory to conservative management [4].
  • Hydrothermal ablation at temperatures between 50C and 52C is a safe treatment option for recurrent or chronic olecranon bursitis with fewer complications than open bursectomy and comparable efficacy [11].
  • Patients who underwent endoscopic olecranon bursectomy for recalcitrant olecranon bursitis experienced no recurrences or wound-healing complications necessitating return to the operating room [5].
  • The revision rate after bursectomy for olecranon bursitis was 11.5% [8].
  • Patients with olecranon cords were less satisfied after surgical excision compared to those without cords [13].
  • Excision has been curative for all lesions of the olecranon bursa in cases of protothecal olecranon bursitis [9].

Specific Etiologies and Considerations

  • Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis should be considered in any patient with a swollen bursa and protracted course, regardless of immune status [3].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] Non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in patients aged ≥75 years provided excellent functional results at 6 months, without associated complications. [1] (10.1016/j.otsr.2017.10.015)
  • [L4] Based primarily on level IV evidence, nonsurgical management of olecranon bursitis is significantly more effective and safer than surgical management. [2] (10.1007/s00402-014-2088-3)
  • [L4] Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis should be considered in any patient with a swollen bursa and protracted course, regardless of immune status. [3] (10.1016/j.jse.2008.07.009)
  • [L4] This may be an effective alternative to surgical bursectomy for patients with recurrent olecranon bursitis refractory to conservative management. [4] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2024.03.006)
  • [L4] In this population, patients who underwent endoscopic olecranon bursectomy experienced no recurrences or wound-healing complications necessitating return to the operating room. [5] (10.1016/j.asmr.2023.100832)
  • [L4] Empirical management of uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis was found to be effective with no patients requiring bursectomy, whereas 8 of 11 patients in the traditional aspiration group required bursectomy. [6] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.06.012)
  • [L5] Older studies showed resolution with injections and surgery, but more recent literature demonstrates adverse effects of intrabursal injections and surgery compared with noninvasive management for initial treatment of nonseptic olecranon bursitis. [7] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.006)
  • [L3] The revision rate after bursectomy for olecranon bursitis was 11.5%. [8] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.09.033)
  • [Case_report] Excision has been curative for all lesions of the olecranon bursa, whereas multiple medications have been tried for cutaneous and systemic infections without clear-cut success. [9] (10.2106/00004623-198062050-00024)
  • [L5] Distinguishing between septic and aseptic olecranon bursitis can be difficult because the physical and laboratory data overlap. [10] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.08.032)
  • [L4] Hydrothermal ablation at temperatures between 50C and 52C is a safe treatment option for recurrent or chronic olecranon bursitis with fewer complications than open bursectomy and a comparable efficacy. [11] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.03.021)
  • [L4] Posteromedial elbow impingement is a source of disability in the overhead throwing athlete. [12] (10.1016/j.arthro.2011.06.012)
  • [L4] Patients with olecranon cords were less satisfied after surgical excision compared to those without cords. [13] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.04.016)
  • [L3] Low-profile double-plate osteosynthesis is a safe and effective alternative treatment of olecranon fractures with excellent subjective and objective clinical outcome measures. [14] (10.1016/j.otsr.2019.08.019)
  • [L4] The first treatment line for olecranon bursitis is conservative, including ice, rest, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and, occasionally, bursal fluid aspiration. [15] (10.1016/j.surge.2012.02.002)
  • [L4] Endoscopic debridement combined with compression suture for the treatment of aseptic olecranon bursitis has several advantages: simple operation, minimal invasiveness, minimal postoperative pain, rapid recovery, a low recurrence rate, and satisfactory overall efficacy. [16] (10.1186/s13018-024-05090-3)
  • [Case_report] PG must be considered in the differential diagnosis whenever a patient presents with ulcerative cutaneous lesions that resemble an infectious process such as olecranon bursitis. [17] (10.1016/j.jse.2014.06.032)
  • [L3] Plating of the olecranon leads to predictable union, though the most common complication was lack of full extension in 39% of patients. [19] (10.1016/j.injury.2016.04.015)
  • [Case_report] It also emphasizes the early use of MRI and the cautious interpretation of posterior elbow palpation signs as a crucial part of the diagnosis of this lesion. [21] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.09.015)
  • [L1] The available evidence did not support the central European concept of immediate bursectomy in cases of septic bursitis. [22] (10.1007/s00402-013-1882-7)
  • [L5] Evaluation and management of elbow injuries in young athletes requires knowledge of the immature developing anatomy, injury pathophysiology, and established treatment algorithms for each diagnosis. [25] (10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.010)
  • [L4] Diagnosis and proper management of the infected bursa and dermatitis have prevented recurrence. [31] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.10.013)
  • [L4] Boxers are prone to development of anterior and posterior elbow impingement lesions, with the lead arm being more vulnerable. [33] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.09.035)
  • [L4] In the rheumatoid patient, septic arthritis of the elbow joint can mimic septic olecranon bursitis, and the fact that the elbow joint may also be involved should be suspected in the rheumatoid patient who has what appears to be a septic olecranon bursitis. [34] (10.2106/00004623-198062060-00022)

References

[1] Results of non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in over 75-year-olds. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2017.10.015 [2] Treatment of olecranon bursitis: a systematic review. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-014-2088-3 [3] Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis: Case reports and literature review. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2008.07.009 [4] Intrabursal Doxycycline Sclerotherapy for Recurrent Olecranon Bursitis of the Elbow: A Case Control Study. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2024.03.006 [5] No Wound Healing Complications or Recurrences Were Seen and a High Level of Satisfaction Was Reported in Patients Who Underwent Endoscopic Olecranon Bursectomy for Recalcitrant Olecranon Bursitis. Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.100832 [6] Empirical Treatment of Uncomplicated Septic Olecranon Bursitis Without Aspiration. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.06.012 [7] Clinical Management of Olecranon Bursitis: A Review. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.006 [8] Factors associated with revision surgery for olecranon bursitis after bursectomy. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.09.033 [9] Protothecal olecranon bursitis. A case report and review of the literature.. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 1980. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-198062050-00024 [10] Olecranon bursitis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.08.032 [11] Hydrothermal ablation in recurrent or chronic olecranon bursitis: a prospective study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2024.03.021 [12] Posteromedial Elbow Impingement: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Overhead Throwing Athletes and Results of Arthroscopic Treatment. Arthroscopy. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2011.06.012 [13] The existence of cords in olecranon bursae. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.04.016 [14] Clinical evaluation of double-plate osteosynthesis for olecranon fractures: A retrospective case-control study. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.08.019 [15] Diagnosis and management of olecranon bursitis. The Surgeon. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2012.02.002 [16] Clinical efficacy of endoscopic debridement combined with compression suture in the treatment of recalcitrant aseptic olecranon bursitis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-05090-3 [17] Case report: misdiagnosed olecranon bursitis: pyoderma gangrenosum. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2014.06.032 [19] Outcomes after plating of olecranon fractures: A multicenter evaluation. Injury. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2016.04.015 [21] Arthroscopic debridement for osteochondral injury of the elbow trochlea: a case report with a long-term follow-up. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.09.015 [22] Prepatellar and olecranon bursitis: literature review and development of a treatment algorithm. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-013-1882-7 [25] Pediatric Sports Elbow Injuries. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.010 [31] Septic olecranon bursitis, contact dermatitis, and pneumonitis in a gas turbine engine mechanic. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2011.10.013 [33] Boxer's elbow: internal impingement of the coronoid and olecranon process. A report of seven cases. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2016.09.035 [34] Septic arthritis presenting as olecranon bursitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A report of three cases.. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 1980. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-198062060-00022

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