Skip to content

Olecranon Bursitis PDF Evidence

A hand-drawn illustration of a faceless person resting a bent elbow on a table with a swollen soft lump at the tip of the elbow.
Olecranon bursitis: the fluid-filled cushion (bursa) over the bony tip of the elbow swells, producing the characteristic 'goose egg' lump seen here. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

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

What you're feeling

You likely notice a swollen bump at the tip of your elbow. This swelling is caused by fluid buildup in the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions your bone. The area may feel tender to the touch. You might also feel pain, especially if the swelling is due to an infection or if the bone tissue has lost its blood supply. This combination of swelling and pain can make daily life uncomfortable.

Simple movements become difficult when your elbow is swollen. You may struggle to rest your elbow on a table or desk. Tasks that require bending your arm fully, like reaching behind your back to fasten a bra, can be painful. Even tucking in a shirt or lifting light objects may feel awkward or uncomfortable. The swelling can limit how much you can straighten or bend your arm.

The pain often flares up after you have been using your arms for a while. It may also be worse at night, making it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. Lying on the affected side puts direct pressure on the swollen bursa, which can be quite painful. You might find that resting your arm helps reduce the discomfort, but prolonged inactivity does not always resolve the swelling. If the swelling persists for a long time, it may indicate a more complex issue that requires specific attention from your surgeon.

What's actually happening

Your elbow has a small, fluid-filled sac called the olecranon bursa. It sits right over the tip of your elbow bone. Think of it as a tiny water balloon that acts as a cushion. It lets your skin slide smoothly over the bone when you bend your arm.

When this sac gets irritated, it fills with too much fluid. This causes swelling and pain at the tip of your elbow. This condition is called olecranon bursitis. It can happen from a sudden hit, like falling on your elbow. It can also come from leaning on hard surfaces for long periods. Sometimes, an infection or other illness triggers it.

In some cases, the swelling does not go away on its own. The fluid may stay thick or turn into scar tissue. This is known as chronic bursitis. You might feel a hard lump under the skin. This is called an olecranon cord. It can make your elbow feel stiff or tight.

If the swelling is caused by an infection, it is called septic bursitis. Your surgeon needs to treat this quickly. Untreated infections can spread. In some cases, the body forms extra bone in the soft tissue around the elbow. This is called heterotopic ossification. It can limit how far you can bend your arm. Removing this extra bone early often helps you regain movement faster.

Your surgeon will look at what is causing the swelling. Most cases get better with rest, ice, and compression. You might not need surgery at all. If the swelling keeps coming back, your surgeon might drain the fluid. They may also use a needle to inject medicine to shrink the sac. This is called sclerotherapy.

In rare cases, surgery is needed. Your surgeon might remove the entire bursa sac. This is called a bursectomy. Modern techniques allow this to be done with small incisions. Recovery is usually quick. Most people return to normal activities soon after. However, about 11.5% of patients need another procedure after surgery. Some patients with scar tissue cords are less satisfied with the outcome. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you based on your specific situation.

What we can do about it

We start with self-care and physiotherapy. You can rest your elbow and apply ice to reduce swelling. Your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle movements to keep the joint flexible. This approach avoids invasive procedures. Recent literature shows that noninvasive management is often the best initial step for nonseptic bursitis. It minimizes risks compared to injections or surgery. Most cases of uncomplicated septic bursitis resolve with empirical management alone. You should give this conservative care enough time to work before considering more aggressive options.

If pain persists, your surgeon may discuss medical management. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are the primary treatment. In some cases of recurrent bursitis that do not respond to standard care, your surgeon might suggest intrabursal doxycycline sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a solution into the bursa to shrink it. It is an effective alternative to surgery for stubborn cases. For chronic or recurrent noninfectious bursitis, hydrothermal ablation is another option. This uses heat between 50C and 52C to treat the area. It has fewer complications than open surgery and works just as well. While older studies supported injections for nonseptic bursitis, newer evidence highlights potential adverse effects. Therefore, we reserve injections for specific situations where they offer clear benefit.

Surgery is considered only when conservative care fails. If your bursitis recurs or does not improve with medication and rest, surgical excision may be indicated. This procedure completely removes the inflamed bursa. It is a reliable solution for recurrent cases. Outcomes after surgical excision are generally good for both function and appearance. In some selected cases of chronic traumatic bursitis, bursal suture repair is a viable alternative to removing the bursa entirely. This method combines functional and cosmetic benefits. Endoscopic debridement combined with compression suture is another minimally invasive option. It allows for rapid recovery with minimal postoperative pain and a low recurrence rate. Your surgeon will choose the best approach based on your specific condition and history.

What to expect

Your outlook depends largely on the cause of the swelling and how you manage it. For most cases of uncomplicated septic bursitis, your surgeon can treat the infection with antibiotics alone. In these situations, no surgery is needed, and the condition typically settles with proper care. If your bursitis is not caused by an infection, recent evidence shows that noninvasive management is often safer and more effective than injections or surgery for initial treatment.

If you have recurrent bursitis that does not improve with conservative care, your surgeon may discuss procedural options. Some patients undergo a procedure called bursectomy, where the swollen bursa is removed. About 11.5% of patients require a second procedure after this surgery. If you have specific tissue changes known as olecranon cords, you may be less satisfied with the results of surgical excision compared to those without cords.

In some cases, the swelling may persist or return. If your bursitis comes back repeatedly, it may signal a more unusual cause, such as a specific type of bacterial infection. Your surgeon will likely take tissue samples to check for these less common causes. For chronic or recurrent cases, newer techniques like hydrothermal ablation (using heat between 50°C and 52°C) offer a safe alternative with fewer complications than open surgery. Another option is endoscopic debridement, which involves minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery with a low recurrence rate.

While older studies suggested that injections and surgery were standard resolutions for nonseptic bursitis, current data highlights potential adverse effects from these approaches. Therefore, your surgeon will likely prioritize simpler, noninvasive steps first. If surgery becomes necessary, modern methods like endoscopic bursectomy have shown no recurrences or wound-healing complications requiring a return to the operating room in studied groups. Your recovery will feel different depending on the path chosen, but the goal is always to resolve the swelling and restore comfort with the least invasive effective treatment.

When to see someone

See your GP if you have a swollen elbow that does not improve with rest. Seek a specialist review if the swelling lasts a long time, even if you are healthy. This could signal an unusual infection. Ask for help if you have recurrent swelling, as this may require special tests. It is hard to tell if the swelling is caused by infection or other issues. See your doctor if you develop open sores on the skin that look like an infection. Get checked if you feel sudden pain or weakness in the elbow. These signs need proper evaluation to find the right treatment.

Reviewed by AI synthesis (v2) — pending human review · 2026-05-18 19:02:24.706875+00:00.

Want the clinical detail? Read the clinician version.

Talk to your treating clinician for advice specific to you.

For an appointment with the CQ Hand + Upper Limb team, ask your GP about a referral or visit www.cqupperlimb.com.

Evidence & references

title: "Olecranon Bursitis" slug: olecranon-bursitis region: elbow audience: patient mesh_terms: ["Olecranon Process", "Bursitis", "Elbow Joint", "Bursa, Synovial", "Elbow Injuries", "Drainage", "Debridement", "Combined Modality Therapy"] article_count: 76 model_used: Qwen3.6-35B-A3B-Q8_0.gguf generated_at: '2026-06-16T19:29:43+00:00' key_articles: - title: "Results of non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in over 75-year-olds" ref_num: 1 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2017.10.015 year: 2018 - title: "Treatment of olecranon bursitis: a systematic review" ref_num: 2 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1007/s00402-014-2088-3 year: 2014 - title: "Nontuberculous mycobacterial olecranon bursitis: Case reports and literature review" ref_num: 3 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2008.07.009 year: 2009 - title: "Intrabursal Doxycycline Sclerotherapy for Recurrent Olecranon Bursitis of the Elbow: A Case Control Study" ref_num: 4 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2024.03.006 year: 2024 - title: "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" ref_num: 5 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.100832 year: 2024 - title: "Empirical Treatment of Uncomplicated Septic Olecranon Bursitis Without Aspiration" ref_num: 6 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.06.012 year: 2020 - title: "Clinical Management of Olecranon Bursitis: A Review" ref_num: 7 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 5 doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.006 year: 2021 - title: "Factors associated with revision surgery for olecranon bursitis after bursectomy" ref_num: 8 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 3 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.09.033 year: 2021 - title: "Protothecal olecranon bursitis. A case report and review of the literature." ref_num: 9 evidence_tier: case_report evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.2106/00004623-198062050-00024 year: 1980 - title: "Olecranon bursitis" ref_num: 10 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 5 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.08.032 year: 2016 - title: "Hydrothermal ablation in recurrent or chronic olecranon bursitis: a prospective study" ref_num: 11 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2024.03.021 year: 2024 - title: "Posteromedial Elbow Impingement: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Overhead Throwing Athletes and Results of Arthroscopic Treatment" ref_num: 12 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2011.06.012 year: 2011 - title: "The existence of cords in olecranon bursae" ref_num: 13 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.04.016 year: 2015 - title: "Clinical evaluation of double-plate osteosynthesis for olecranon fractures: A retrospective case-control study" ref_num: 14 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 3 doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.08.019 year: 2019 - title: "Diagnosis and management of olecranon bursitis" ref_num: 15 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.surge.2012.02.002 year: 2012 - title: "Clinical efficacy of endoscopic debridement combined with compression suture in the treatment of recalcitrant aseptic olecranon bursitis" ref_num: 16 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-05090-3 year: 2024 - title: "Case report: misdiagnosed olecranon bursitis: pyoderma gangrenosum" ref_num: 17 evidence_tier: case_report evidence_level: 5 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2014.06.032 year: 2014 - title: "Outcomes after plating of olecranon fractures: A multicenter evaluation" ref_num: 19 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 3 doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2016.04.015 year: 2016 - title: "Arthroscopic debridement for osteochondral injury of the elbow trochlea: a case report with a long-term follow-up" ref_num: 21 evidence_tier: case_report evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.09.015 year: 2011 - title: "Prepatellar and olecranon bursitis: literature review and development of a treatment algorithm" ref_num: 22 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 1 doi: 10.1007/s00402-013-1882-7 year: 2013 - title: "Pediatric Sports Elbow Injuries" ref_num: 25 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 5 doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.010 year: 2010 - title: "Septic olecranon bursitis, contact dermatitis, and pneumonitis in a gas turbine engine mechanic" ref_num: 31 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2011.10.013 year: 2012 - title: "Boxer's elbow: internal impingement of the coronoid and olecranon process. A report of seven cases" ref_num: 33 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2016.09.035 year: 2017 - title: "Septic arthritis presenting as olecranon bursitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A report of three cases." ref_num: 34 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.2106/00004623-198062060-00022 year: 1980 synthesis_version: "v2" verifier_status: skipped

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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.006)
  • [L3] The revision rate after bursectomy for olecranon bursitis was 11.5%. (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. (10.2106/00004623-198062050-00024)
  • [L5] Distinguishing between septic and aseptic olecranon bursitis can be difficult because the physical and laboratory data overlap. (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. (10.1016/j.jse.2024.03.021)
  • [L4] Posteromedial elbow impingement is a source of disability in the overhead throwing athlete. (10.1016/j.arthro.2011.06.012)
  • [L4] Patients with olecranon cords were less satisfied after surgical excision compared to those without cords. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.010)
  • [L4] Diagnosis and proper management of the infected bursa and dermatitis have prevented recurrence. (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. (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. (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

Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0

CC Creative Commons licence
BY Attribution — you must credit the source
NC NonCommercial — not for commercial use

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International

Creative Commons Corporation ("Creative Commons") is not a law firm and does not provide legal services or legal advice. Distribution of Creative Commons public licenses does not create a lawyer-client or other relationship. Creative Commons makes its licenses and related information available on an "as-is" basis. Creative Commons gives no warranties regarding its licenses, any material licensed under their terms and conditions, or any related information. Creative Commons disclaims all liability for damages resulting from their use to the fullest extent possible.

Using Creative Commons Public Licenses

Creative Commons public licenses provide a standard set of terms and conditions that creators and other rights holders may use to share original works of authorship and other material subject to copyright and certain other rights specified in the public license below. The following considerations are for informational purposes only, are not exhaustive, and do not form part of our licenses.

Considerations for licensors: Our public licenses are intended for use by those authorized to give the public permission to use material in ways otherwise restricted by copyright and certain other rights. Our licenses are irrevocable. Licensors should read and understand the terms and conditions of the license they choose before applying it. Licensors should also secure all rights necessary before applying our licenses so that the public can reuse the material as expected. Licensors should clearly mark any material not subject to the license. This includes other CC- licensed material, or material used under an exception or limitation to copyright. More considerations for licensors: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensors

Considerations for the public: By using one of our public licenses, a licensor grants the public permission to use the licensed material under specified terms and conditions. If the licensor's permission is not necessary for any reason--for example, because of any applicable exception or limitation to copyright--then that use is not regulated by the license. Our licenses grant only permissions under copyright and certain other rights that a licensor has authority to grant. Use of the licensed material may still be restricted for other reasons, including because others have copyright or other rights in the material. A licensor may make special requests, such as asking that all changes be marked or described. Although not required by our licenses, you are encouraged to respect those requests where reasonable. More considerations for the public: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensees

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License

By exercising the Licensed Rights (defined below), You accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License ("Public License"). To the extent this Public License may be interpreted as a contract, You are granted the Licensed Rights in consideration of Your acceptance of these terms and conditions, and the Licensor grants You such rights in consideration of benefits the Licensor receives from making the Licensed Material available under these terms and conditions.

Section 1 -- Definitions.

a. Adapted Material means material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights that is derived from or based upon the Licensed Material and in which the Licensed Material is translated, altered, arranged, transformed, or otherwise modified in a manner requiring permission under the Copyright and Similar Rights held by the Licensor. For purposes of this Public License, where the Licensed Material is a musical work, performance, or sound recording, Adapted Material is always produced where the Licensed Material is synched in timed relation with a moving image.

b. Adapter's License means the license You apply to Your Copyright and Similar Rights in Your contributions to Adapted Material in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Public License.

c. Copyright and Similar Rights means copyright and/or similar rights closely related to copyright including, without limitation, performance, broadcast, sound recording, and Sui Generis Database Rights, without regard to how the rights are labeled or categorized. For purposes of this Public License, the rights specified in Section 2(b)(1)-(2) are not Copyright and Similar Rights.

d. Effective Technological Measures means those measures that, in the absence of proper authority, may not be circumvented under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, and/or similar international agreements.

e. Exceptions and Limitations means fair use, fair dealing, and/or any other exception or limitation to Copyright and Similar Rights that applies to Your use of the Licensed Material.

f. Licensed Material means the artistic or literary work, database, or other material to which the Licensor applied this Public License.

g. Licensed Rights means the rights granted to You subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, which are limited to all Copyright and Similar Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material and that the Licensor has authority to license.

h. Licensor means the individual(s) or entity(ies) granting rights under this Public License.

i. NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation. For purposes of this Public License, the exchange of the Licensed Material for other material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights by digital file-sharing or similar means is NonCommercial provided there is no payment of monetary compensation in connection with the exchange.

j. Share means to provide material to the public by any means or process that requires permission under the Licensed Rights, such as reproduction, public display, public performance, distribution, dissemination, communication, or importation, and to make material available to the public including in ways that members of the public may access the material from a place and at a time individually chosen by them.

k. Sui Generis Database Rights means rights other than copyright resulting from Directive 96/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 1996 on the legal protection of databases, as amended and/or succeeded, as well as other essentially equivalent rights anywhere in the world.

l. You means the individual or entity exercising the Licensed Rights under this Public License. Your has a corresponding meaning.

Section 2 -- Scope.

a. License grant.

1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, the Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-sublicensable, non-exclusive, irrevocable license to exercise the Licensed Rights in the Licensed Material to:

a. reproduce and Share the Licensed Material, in whole or in part, for NonCommercial purposes only; and

b. produce, reproduce, and Share Adapted Material for NonCommercial purposes only.

2. Exceptions and Limitations. For the avoidance of doubt, where Exceptions and Limitations apply to Your use, this Public License does not apply, and You do not need to comply with its terms and conditions.

3. Term. The term of this Public License is specified in Section 6(a).

4. Media and formats; technical modifications allowed. The Licensor authorizes You to exercise the Licensed Rights in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter created, and to make technical modifications necessary to do so. The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures. For purposes of this Public License, simply making modifications authorized by this Section 2(a) (4) never produces Adapted Material.

5. Downstream recipients.

a. Offer from the Licensor -- Licensed Material. Every recipient of the Licensed Material automatically receives an offer from the Licensor to exercise the Licensed Rights under the terms and conditions of this Public License.

b. No downstream restrictions. You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any recipient of the Licensed Material.

6. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as permission to assert or imply that You are, or that Your use of the Licensed Material is, connected with, or sponsored, endorsed, or granted official status by, the Licensor or others designated to receive attribution as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(A)(i).

b. Other rights.

1. Moral rights, such as the right of integrity, are not licensed under this Public License, nor are publicity, privacy, and/or other similar personality rights; however, to the extent possible, the Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any such rights held by the Licensor to the limited extent necessary to allow You to exercise the Licensed Rights, but not otherwise.

2. Patent and trademark rights are not licensed under this Public License.

3. To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from You for the exercise of the Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when the Licensed Material is used other than for NonCommercial purposes.

Section 3 -- License Conditions.

Your exercise of the Licensed Rights is expressly made subject to the following conditions.

a. Attribution.

1. If You Share the Licensed Material (including in modified form), You must:

a. retain the following if it is supplied by the Licensor with the Licensed Material:

i. identification of the creator(s) of the Licensed Material and any others designated to receive attribution, in any reasonable manner requested by the Licensor (including by pseudonym if designated);

ii. a copyright notice;

iii. a notice that refers to this Public License;

iv. a notice that refers to the disclaimer of warranties;

v. a URI or hyperlink to the Licensed Material to the extent reasonably practicable;

b. indicate if You modified the Licensed Material and retain an indication of any previous modifications; and

c. indicate the Licensed Material is licensed under this Public License, and include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, this Public License.

2. You may satisfy the conditions in Section 3(a)(1) in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share the Licensed Material. For example, it may be reasonable to satisfy the conditions by providing a URI or hyperlink to a resource that includes the required information.

3. If requested by the Licensor, You must remove any of the information required by Section 3(a)(1)(A) to the extent reasonably practicable.

4. If You Share Adapted Material You produce, the Adapter's License You apply must not prevent recipients of the Adapted Material from complying with this Public License.

Section 4 -- Sui Generis Database Rights.

Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material:

a. for the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(a)(1) grants You the right to extract, reuse, reproduce, and Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database for NonCommercial purposes only;

b. if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and

c. You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights.

Section 5 -- Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability.

a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.

Creative Commons is not a party to its public licenses. Notwithstanding, Creative Commons may elect to apply one of its public licenses to material it publishes and in those instances will be considered the “Licensor.” The text of the Creative Commons public licenses is dedicated to the public domain under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark "Creative Commons" or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses.

Creative Commons may be contacted at creativecommons.org.