The Elbow

Acute Olecranon Bursitis

The olecranon bursa separates the skin from the olecranon and the distal part of the triceps tendon.
An olecranon bursitis is provoked by a direct trauma or by repetitive direct irritation.
It may be associated with occupational or sports trauma or systemic conditions.
There is local pain and tenderness, together with distension and redness.

Clinical examination

Passive extension, pronation and supination are normal.
Full passive flexion is usually painful, sometimes slightly limited with a tight endfeel.
Resisted movements are painless and strong
There is swelling and tenderness over the top of the ulna.

In an acute haemorrhagic bursitis a large swelling and some fluctuation can be felt and the overlying skin is oedematous.
In an acute septic bursitis the skin is thickened, tense and red and no fluctuation can be palpated.

Treatment