What Is Olecranon Bursitis?
Olecranon bursitis, also called elbow bursitis, is due to inflammation in the olecranon bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that surrounds the elbow. This fluid-filled sac protects the tip of the elbow by reducing friction between the skin and the bone in the tip of the elbow during movement. It acts as a cushion between the bone and skin. Inflammation in the olecranon bursa can cause a wide range of problems including pain and swelling.
Olecranon bursitis can impact 1 in every 10,000 people, though this does not account for minor cases of elbow bursitis that can go unreported. In general, olecranon bursitis is fairly common and can impact certain populations more than others, such as men, athletes, and those with preexisting conditions.
Causes & Diagnosis
Olecranon bursitis is diagnosed by a doctor through a physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history. An elbow doctor can examine and check for swelling, tenderness, or a puffy appearance at the elbow, as well as review how swelling is impacting range of motion.
An elbow doctor may determine that an X-ray is necessary if there is a potential of an infection. When left untreated, olecranon bursitis can lead to higher risk of infection, called septic bursitis, through a cut, scrape, or even a bug bite on the skin that allows bacteria to enter the bursa.
In addition to an X-ray, fluid aspiration is another way to test and diagnose an infection. This analyzes bacteria and white blood cell count to determine if there is an infection in the bursa. Infections must be treated or risk further, more serious complications.
Prolonged trauma or strain on the fluid-filled sac in the tip of the elbow is the most common cause for olecranon bursitis. This can be caused by things like leaning on the elbow frequently or over long periods of time, or cuts, scratches or bruises near the tip of the elbow.
Preexisting conditions can lead to olecranon bursitis, including:
- Arthritis (psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Tumors
- Gout
- Trauma to the elbow (repeated stress, a fall onto the elbow, leaning on elbows for long periods of time)
- Other systemic inflammatory conditions (such as lupus)
- Overuse or repetitive motion
Olecranon bursitis is considered idiopathic if the cause of the condition is unknown.
Symptoms
Olecranon bursitis can cause a range of symptoms depending on its severity. Physical signs and symptoms of olecranon bursitis in the elbow include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth
- Redness
- Limited Range of Motion
In cases of septic bursitis, patients may also experience a fever or chills, fatigue, or increased pain. Because of the risk of infection, olecranon bursitis should always be treated and diagnosed by a doctor. An elbow specialist can help determine the best treatment depending on the severity and symptoms experienced by each unique patient.
Treatment
There are both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for olecranon bursitis. Nonsurgical treatments include:
- Elbow pads: an elbow pad can cushion the elbow for those who exhibit symptoms due to trauma to the elbow or prolonged, repetitive stress on the elbow.
- Activity changes: avoiding certain activities that put repetitive pressure or stress on the elbow while it recovers.
- Splint: a splint can straighten the elbow to reduce impact on the bursa
- Medications: NSAIDS (like ibuprofen) can help reduce swelling and relieve symptoms, especially when caused by an inflammatory condition like arthritis
- Corticosteroid injections: this can relieve pain and swelling in the elbow.
Surgical treatment can help patients who have an infected bursa that does not improve through antibiotics. In addition, surgery can treat other cases where nonsurgical treatments did not help a patient’s symptoms.
Your elbow doctor may also recommend physical therapy after surgery to improve range of motion. Consult with your doctor to determine the best action plan to treat your elbow.