Olecranon Bursitis

What is Olecranon Bursitis?

Olecranon bursitis is inflammation of the bursa located over the tip of the elbow (olecranon). It can swell with fluid, causing visible swelling and tenderness.

• Also known as 'Popeye elbow'
• Can be caused by trauma, prolonged pressure, or infection

Overview of the Condition

The bursa acts as a cushion between the skin and the bony olecranon. Excessive friction or direct injury can lead to fluid accumulation and inflammation.

Symptoms

• Swelling at the tip of the elbow
• Pain or tenderness around the olecranon
• Redness and warmth if infected

Causes

Repetitive leaning on the elbow or acute trauma can inflame the bursa. Infection can enter through small cuts, causing septic bursitis.

Diagnosis

Physical exam notes swelling and tenderness. If infection is suspected, fluid aspiration for lab analysis can confirm septic bursitis.

Treatment Options

• Rest and avoiding pressure on the elbow
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Aspiration or drainage if fluid accumulation is significant
• Antibiotics for septic (infected) bursitis

Conservative Management

Most cases resolve with rest, icing, and compression. A protective elbow pad can reduce friction. Infection requires antibiotic therapy.

Rehabilitation Exercises

1. Gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness
2. Progressive strengthening if elbow movement was restricted
3. Avoiding direct pressure on the elbow during recovery

When is Surgery Needed?

Chronic or recurrent cases, or those with a thickened bursa that doesn’t respond to drainage, might require surgical removal of the bursa.

Surgical Procedures

• Bursectomy (removal of the inflamed bursa)
• Incision and drainage in septic bursitis that doesn’t improve with aspiration
• Post-surgical therapy to maintain elbow motion

Anatomy Overview

The olecranon bursa is a thin, fluid-filled sac over the tip of the ulna (olecranon). It reduces friction between the bone and the overlying skin.

Affected Areas

• Olecranon bursa at the posterior elbow
• Surrounding skin and soft tissues
• Occasionally deeper joint structures if infection spreads

Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionAnswerCan bursitis come back after treatment?Yes, especially if underlying causes like repetitive elbow pressure are not addressed.How do I know if it’s infected?Signs include redness, warmth, fever, and severe pain. A doctor can confirm by aspirating fluid for lab tests.

Prevention Strategies

• Avoid resting elbows on hard surfaces
• Use elbow pads for protection
• Keep any cuts or scrapes around the elbow clean to prevent infection

Related Conditions

• Septic arthritis
• Gout or pseudogout bursitis
• Olecranon impingement

Additional Treatments

Advanced imaging or repeated aspirations may be necessary for recurrent bursitis to fully evaluate the underlying cause.