Olecranon bursitis

Acute or chronic inflammation to the olecranon (tip of the elbow joint) bursa (fluid sac). This condition can result from a sports related trauma, fall, or repetitive pressure over the olecranon. Signs/symptoms include swelling over the tip of the elbow, redness, mildly limited elbow range of motion, and pain.


Treatment is nonsurgical
Treatment is nonsurgical or conservative and includes anti-inflammatory medications, aspiration of the fluid with possible steroid injection, protective elbow pad, or activity modification.

Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is reserved for failure of conservative treatment with persistent discomfort, or infection of the fluid sac (infected bursitis). Removal of the olecranon bursa will usually resolve the condition.