Olecranon bursitis

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

inflammation of the olecranon bursa, the fluid-filled sac overlying the olecranon process at the proximal end of the ulna

Question 2

what is the point of a bursa?

Answer 2

This bursa exists to reduce friction between the posterior aspect of the elbow joint and the overlying soft tissues

Question 3

cause

Answer 3

trauma, infection, or systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Question 4

cause

Answer 4

trauma, infection, or systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Question 5

what is it also known?

Answer 5

student elbow

Question 6

how is it categorised?

Answer 6

septic

non-septic

Question 7

epidemiology

Answer 7

men

30-60 years

Question 8

causes in detail

Answer 8

repetitive trauma

direct trauma

infection

gout

RA

idiopathic

Question 9

what do patients with non septic olecranon bursitis typically present with?

Answer 9

sub-acute onset of swelling over the olecranon process (100%)

tenderness over the bursa (45%)

erythema over the bursa (25%)

Question 10

septic bursitis symptoms and signs

Answer 10

pain

fever

Swelling over the posterior aspect of the elbow, usually fluctuant and well-circumscribed, appearing over hours to days

Tenderness on palpation of the swollen area

Redness and warmth of the overlying skin

Fever

Skin abrasion overlying the bursa

Effusions in other joints if associated with

rheumatoid arthritis

Tophi if associated with gout

movement of joint is painless until swollen aura is compressed in full flexion

Question 11

Ix

Answer 11

clinical

aspiration of burial fluid for microscopy - gram stain and crystals and culture

Question 12

Ix

Answer 12

clinical

aspiration of burial fluid for microscopy - gram stain and crystals and culture