Olecranon bursitis
Olecranon bursitis is a condition characterized by swelling, redness, and pain at the tip of the elbow. If the underlying cause is due to an infection, fever may be present. The condition is relatively common and is one of the most frequent types of bursitis.
| Olecranon bursitis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Elbow bursitis, liquid elbow, elbow bump, student's elbow, Popeye elbow, baker's elbow, swellbow |
| Olecranon bursitis | |
| Specialty | Emergency medicine, orthopedics |
| Symptoms | Swelling, redness, and pain at the tip of the elbow |
| Types | Acute, chronic, septic |
| Causes | Trauma, pressure, infection |
| Risk factors | Rheumatoid arthritis, gout |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms |
| Differential diagnosis | Septic arthritis, tendinitis, cellulitis |
| Prevention | Elbow pads |
| Treatment | Avoiding further trauma, compression bandage, NSAIDs, drainage, surgery |
| Frequency | Relatively common. |
It usually occurs as a result of trauma or pressure to the elbow, infection, or certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Olecranon bursitis is associated with certain types of work including plumbing, mining, gardening, and mechanics. The underlying mechanism is inflammation of the fluid filled sac between the olecranon and skin. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms.
Treatment involves avoiding further trauma, a compression bandage, and NSAIDs. If there is concern of infection the fluid should be drained and tested and antibiotics are typically recommended. The use of steroid injections is controversial. Surgery may be done if other measures are not effective.