Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis

A bursa is a sac or pouch with lubricating fluid that lies inconspicuously between the skin and bones of a joint, allowing for free movement. In the elbow, it is located at the tip, in the area called the olecranon. When inflamed or infected, it may cause pain or stiffness. This is called bursitis. To view all the information on Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis please view the following: non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment.

Common causes of bursitis in the elbow include:

• Trauma: A hard blow to the tip of the elbow may cause the bursa to produce extra fluid and swell.
• Prolonged Pressure: Leaning on the tip of the elbow for long periods on a hard surface may over time cause the bursa to swell.
• Infection: If the tip of the elbow has an injury (perhaps, even an insect bite) that breaks the skin, bacteria my invade the bursa and cause an infection, with symptoms including fluid, redness and swelling. If the infection is untreated, the fluid may turn to pus.  
• Medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis and gout may lead to elbow bursitis.
  

Symptoms

Because the skin on the elbow is loose, you may not notice the swelling at first. Gradually, though, the swelling will get larger, sometimes enough to restrict arm motion. Because the bursa contains nerve endings, pain usually develops.

If the bursa is infected, the skin will become red and warm. An untreated infection may spread to other parts of the arm or into the bloodstream, which is a serious illness.

Non-surgical Treatment

If the doctor suspects the bursitis is due to an infection, a small amount of fluid may be drawn from the swollen area for a lab test. With this information, he or she can determine the appropriate antibiotic to prescribe. Sometimes, though, the doctor may start you on medication right away to keep the infection from worsening. Removing fluid has the additional benefit of relieving discomfort.

If infection is not present, you will be advised to elevate the arm, apply ice and avoid direct pressure on t h e swollen elbow. You may also want to use an elbow pad for protection. Acetaminophen and other anti-inflammatory medications may be used orally. If the swelling and pain do not respond to these measures, the doctor may recommend removing fluid from the bursa and injecting a corticosteroid medication into the bursa.

Surgical Treatment

A bursa infection that does not improve with medications or fluid removal may require surgery. In this case, the patient may need to stay in the hospital until fully recovered.

If a bursa is not infected, surgery may still be recommended after non-operative treatments have failed. This type of surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure. It does not disturb any muscle, ligament or joint structure, and physical therapy is not normally needed nor is postoperative casting or prolonged immobilization.