Best Practice Case Studies-Case 123 Asset 3 Olecranon Bursitis

Pdf Summary

Olecranon bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the back of the elbow. The olecranon bursa lies between the skin and the pointy bone at the back of the elbow. It can become irritated from a direct blow, repeated pressure on the elbow, or overuse. Because it is close to the skin, it can also become infected after a cut or injury. People with rheumatoid arthritis or gout are at higher risk.<br /><br />Common symptoms include swelling over the back of the elbow, pain, and sometimes limited elbow motion if swelling is severe. If the bursa is infected, the area may be red, warm, tender, and possibly associated with fever. In some cases, pus may drain if the infected bursa breaks open.<br /><br />A sports medicine doctor will examine the elbow and may order an x-ray to check for a bone spur or foreign body. The doctor may also remove a small amount of bursa fluid with a needle to determine whether infection or gout is the cause.<br /><br />Treatment usually starts without surgery: avoiding pressure on the elbow, using elbow pads, applying ice, and taking anti-inflammatory medicines. If symptoms continue, fluid may be drained with needle aspiration. Steroid injections may help reduce swelling and pain, but only if infection has been ruled out. If infection persists or bursitis keeps returning, surgery to remove the bursa may be needed.<br /><br />Prevention and recovery focus on avoiding trauma and using padding or a compression sleeve appropriately. Athletes can return to play once symptoms are gone, motion and strength are near normal, and sports activities do not bring symptoms back.

Meta Tag

Edition 4th Edition

Related Case 4th Edition, Case 123

Topic Elbow

Keywords

4th Edition

4th Edition, Case 123

Elbow

olecranon bursitis

elbow swelling

bursa inflammation

elbow pain

infected bursitis

rheumatoid arthritis

gout

needle aspiration

elbow padding

sports medicine