Olecranon Bursitis

The Olecranon is the medical term to define the point of the elbow. Anatomically, the olecranon is located on the ulnar. 

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Overlying the olecranon is a fluid filled sac named a Bursa. The bursa prevents friction  between the point of the elbow and the overlying skin and in essence allows the two surfaces to glide over each other during movements of the elbow.

 Due to its location, the olecranon bursa can be subjected to recurrent minor irritation during activities such as leaning on the elbow on a hard surface and subsequently is also referred to as “students elbow” . Other causes of Olecranon Bursitis include trauma resulting from direct impact to the point of the elbow after a fall, infection or an underlying rheumatic condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis

In the case of either a major or minor injury, the lining of the bursa becomes inflamed. It then secretes a much greater than normal amount of fluid into the closed cavity of the bursa, from where it has nowhere to go. The bursa therefore inflates, producing a painful swelling over the proximal end of the ulna which is often warm and tender. The characteristic appearance of an Olecranon Bursitis is that of a  “goose egg” as seen below

Olecranon Bursitis Treatment

Before treatment to the elbow commences, it is necessary to make sure that an infection has not played a role in the development of this condition. Therefore, if you are suffering with a fever, the pain and swelling in your elbow increases despite treatment or you develop new unexplained symptoms, it is pertinent that you go and see your GP for further evaluation so that antibiotics can be prescribed if necessary. Infection is more likely when there is an obvious wound near the bursitis.

From a musculoskeletal point of view, one of the main approaches to care will be to initially establish what activities are taking place that could be causing irritation to the Olecranon Bursa and how to modify these to prevent future recurrences of this painful condition.

Treatment often involves a package of care including advice on how to initially reduce the inflammation (RICE principles), along with possible usage of NSAIDS. In some cases, no further treatment may be required, however,  ultrasound, stretching and strengthening exercises, ergonomic advice and a doughnut shaped support may be beneficial.

In longstanding Olecranon Bursitis, surgery or steroid injections maybe considered

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