Bursitis of the elbow

Bursitis of the elbow (olecranon bursitis) is a fairly common condition: it is an inflammation of the bursa, with swelling in the posterior elbow. It may occur following trauma or multiple repeated micro trauma ( "student elbow" ...). It may also show among patients with inflammatory disease (gout, rheumatoid arthritis ...). Treatment may be medical or surgical.

Symptoms
The classic symptom is swelling of the posterior part of the elbow: this may be painful after 90° of flexion, if it is very inflamed (this may be the case of an infected bursitis - photo # 1). However, most of the time, bursitis of the elbow is completely asymptomatic (aseptic bursitis).

Diagnosis of a possible infection can be made with aspiration and bacteriological examination of the aspirated fluid.

Cure and treatment.

Treatment may be in the initial stages, symptomatic: a mechanical compression of the swelling and some protection from potential microtrauma of the elbow, can improve the local condition.

If pain is present, aspiration of the liquid can be performed: this can improve the local condition, if it is followed by compression.