Olecranon Bursitis (Elbow Swelling)

Elbow Swelling (Olecranon Bursitis)
There are anatomical structures called bursa located between the bone and the skin at points with bone protrusions such as elbow, ankle and knee. Bursae are sacs filled with transparent fluid. Their function is to allow the soft tissues around the bone to slide over the bone and act as a cushion to protect the bony prominences.

The bursas are according to the bone;
•- Elbow (olecranon) : Olecranon Bursitis
• Knee cap (Patella) : Prepatellar Bursitis

• Below the acromion: It is called subacromial bursitis.

The bursa is thin in normal anatomy. But if it becomes irritated or infected, it swells and thickens, a condition called bursitis.

Causes of Elbow Swelling

There are many reasons;
– Trauma-impact : Impacts to the elbow
– Prolonged pressure: Do not apply pressure on the elbow for long periods of time. People working at a desk for long periods of time
– Infection : Open elbow fractures, insect bites or skin cuts pose a risk for bacterial infection. In this case it becomes red, swollen and painful.
– Diseases; Olecranon bursitis can develop in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Complaints and Diagnosis of Elbow Swelling
Swelling
– Agri
– Redness and increased heat
– In some chronic and infected cases, there may be discharge.

The presence of the above clinical complaints is very important for diagnosis. In some patients, X-rays are taken for differential diagnosis and accompanying bone spurs. Ultrasound may be performed. It is not meaningful to have a blood test.

Treatment of Elbow Swelling
Non-Surgical Treatment
In infected and swollen cases, the bursitis is aspirated with a needle and drained. This is done in an outpatient clinic or simple intervention room. After the intervention, antibiotics and painkillers are started and bandages are applied. However, if the swelling is not caused by infection but by inflammation, the treatment protocol goes from aspiration to the following;

– Elbow brace or bandage
– Resting
– Drug Therapy : Nonstreoidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Surgery for Elbow Swelling
When the bursa causing the swelling cannot be treated with all non-surgical methods, it is removed with a simple operation. This procedure is called Buresectomy.