Olecranon bursitis
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| Olecranon bursitis Classification and external resources |
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| ICD-10 | M70.2 |
| ICD-9 | 726.33 |
Olecranon bursitis is a clinical condition characterised by pain, swelling and inflammation of the olecranon bursa located in the elbow.
This bursa is located over the extensor aspect of the extreme proximal end of the ulna. In common with other bursae, it is in the normal state invisible and impalpable, and contains only a very small amount of fluid, but fulfills the function of all bursae in facilitating movement at a joint (in this case the elbow) by enabling anatomical structures to glide more easily over each other. Also in common with other bursae, it can become inflamed, producing a condition called bursitis.
[edit] Causes
Bursitis normally develops as a result either of a single injury to the elbow, or perhaps more commonly due to repeated minor injuries, such as may be caused by repeatedly leaning on the point of the elbow on a hard surface. As a reaction to 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 swelling over the proximal end of the ulna which is usually inflamed and tender.
[edit] Treatment
As with most forms of bursitis the ideal treatment consists of rest and avoiding further injury to the area. Medical intervention will often include one or more combinations of the following: oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs, aspirating the excess with a syringe, or injecting into the bursa a hydrocortisone type medication which is aimed at relieving the inflammation and preventing further accumulation of fluid.
It is important to try to identify the cause of one's bursitis as early as possible. This is because long-term (chronic) bursitis is likely to eventuate into the formation of scar tissue which may lead to more regular flare ups and possibly further complications in later years.
The first approach in treating olecranon bursitis should be removing mechanical stress from the affected area, such as avoiding leaning on the elbow. You should identify if a repetitive activity is the cause and if so, cease this activity until your bursitis has completely healed.
Olecranon bursitis that does not heal from rest alone or which is causing pain or discomfort may then need medical intervention such as oral or topical NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections. It is also quite common for a doctor to drain the bursitis with a syringe (aspiration), although this may still result in the fluid returning.
Individuals who are not able to use conventional anti-inflammatory medications due to existing health reasons or who have found conventional intervention ineffective may try a large range of alternative treatments. It should be noted that whilst many of these alternative treatments may be quite safe they have had very little scientific evaluation. Examples of alternative treatments available include glucosamine supplements, ultra sound treatment or bursitis patches.
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