Olecranon Bursitis

Author: Patrick M Foye, MD; Chief Editor: Sherwin SW Ho, MD more...

Updated: Aug 31, 2010

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Background
Epidemiology
Functional Anatomy
Sport-Specific Biomechanics
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Background

Olecranon bursitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the bursa that overlies the olecranon process at the proximal aspect of the ulna (see images below).

Olecranon bursitis is shown in a patient with the

Olecranon bursitis is shown close up in a patient,

The bursa is located between the ulna and the skin at the posterior tip of the elbow; because of its superficial location, the olecranon bursa is susceptible to inflammation from a variety of mechanisms, primarily either acute or repetitive (cumulative) trauma. Less commonly, the inflammation may be due to infection (septic bursitis).^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}

For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Arthritis Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Bursitis and Tendinitis.

Frequency

United States

Olecranon bursitis is a relatively common condition.

Functional Anatomy

Based on its location between the ulna and the skin at the posterior tip of the elbow, the olecranon bursa functions to provide a mechanism for the skin to glide freely over the olecranon process, thereby preventing tissue tears.

Sport-Specific Biomechanics

Bursal inflammation may be caused by various mechanisms. Due to the superficial location of the olecranon bursa, it is susceptible to inflammation that is caused by acute or repetitive trauma (see images below).

Acute injuries during sports activities can include any action that involves direct trauma to the posterior elbow (eg, falls). Common causes of olecranon bursal inflammation that are unrelated to sports activities include repetitive microtrauma (eg, the elbow constantly rubbing against a table during writing). Less commonly, the inflammation may be due to infection (septic bursitis).

Proceed to Clinical Presentation

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Patrick M Foye, MD Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain Service (Tailbone Pain Service: www.TailboneDoctor.com), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Patrick M Foye, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Todd P Stitik, MD Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Director, Outpatient Occupational/Musculoskeletal Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey School of Medicine

Todd P Stitik, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists, Phi Beta Kappa, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Scott F Nadler, DO Assistant Director of Occupational/Musculoskeletal Medicine, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Director of Sports Medicine, University Hospital

Scott F Nadler, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Association, Association of Academic Physiatrists, North American Spine Society, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Andrew L Sherman, MD, MS Associate Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine, Vice Chairman, Chief of Spine and Musculoskeletal Services, Program Director, SCI Fellowship and PMR Residency Programs, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Leonard A Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

Andrew L Sherman, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Henry T Goitz, MD Academic Chair and Associate Director, Detroit Medical Center Sports Medicine Institute; Director, Education, Research, and Injury Prevention Center; Co-Director, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship

Henry T Goitz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jon B Whitehurst, MD Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital

Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Sherwin SW Ho, MD Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago

Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Breg, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting; Biomet, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting; GMV, Inc. Arthroscopy Simulator Evaluation and teaching; Smith and Nephew Grant/research funds Fellowship funding; DJ Ortho Grant/research funds Course funding

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After fluid is removed from the olecranon bursa, an elastic, tubular, compressive sleeve can be used to minimize reaccumulation of the fluid. Image ©2007, by Patrick Foye, MD, UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School.

Gout. Radiograph of erosions with overhanging edges.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid. Rheumatoid nodules at the elbow. Photograph by David Effron MD, FACEP

Olecranon fracture.

Gout. Polarizing microscopy needles of urate.

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