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Orthopaedic
Olecranon Bursa
What is a Olecranon Bursa?
A bursa is a small fluid filled sac that helps make movement smooth between a bone prominence and the overlying skin. Olecranon bursitis is inflammation of the bursa sac of fluid located on the tip of the elbow. This inflammation can cause many problems in the elbow. The olecranon process is the bone process in the elbow; the bone prominence you lean onto.
Repeated pressure caused by regularly leaning on the elbow.
An injury causing direct impact onto the elbow such as a fall.
Repetitive sports or occupations involving repeated elbow bending and straightening movements.
The olecranon bursa can also become infected. This may occur without any warning, or it may be caused by a small injury and infection of the skin over the bursa that spreads down into the bursa.
In this case, instead of blood or inflammatory fluid in the bursa, it becomes filled with pus. The area around the bursa becomes hot, red, and very tender.
What causes Olecranon Bursitis?
What are the symptoms of Olecranon Bursitis?
Swelling over the back of the elbow.
Mild or even no pain.
Generally movement at the elbow is full with discomfort when the elbow is fully bent as the swollen bursa is compressed.
Treatments
Treatment usually starts by trying to control the inflammation. This may include a short period of rest and or Medications.
Bursa Drainage
If the infection is slow to heal, the bursa may have to be drained surgically. Surgery to drain the bursa begins with an incision to open the bursa.
Bursa Surgery
Bursa Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove a thickened bursa that has not improved with any other treatment.
To remove the olecranon bursa, an incision is made over the tip of the elbow. Since the bursa is outside of the elbow joint, the joint is never entered.
The thickened bursa sac is removed, and the skin is repaired with stitches. Your elbow may be placed in a sling to rest the elbow and prevent it from moving for a few days. This allows the wound to begin to heal and prevents bleeding into the area where the bursa was removed.
Some types of bursae will grow back after surgery, because the skin needs to slide over the olecranon smoothly. The body forms another bursa as a response to the movement of the olecranon against the skin during the healing phase.
If all goes well, the bursa that returns after surgery will not be thick and painful, but more like a normal bursa.
What can I expect if I have surgery?
The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic. You can expect to be discharged wearing a bandage and a sling
for comfort after 45 mins.
The wound will typically take ten to fourteen days to heal and should be kept clean and dry for this time.
Bruising around the elbow may track under the skin towards the fingers.
This depends largely on your occupation. However, generally speaking, a period of 7 to 14 days is the usual time required, seek advice from your GP if you are unsure.
How long before can I return to work?
Most people can return to driving within two weeks of after the stitches have been removed.
Complete recovery can take longer, seek advice from your GP and Insurance company before you do drive.
How long before can I return to work?
Follow up
You will be advised when to make an appointment at your GP practice for the removal of stitches. This will normally be 2 weeks after your operation.
If you experience any problems following your operation we advise you to contact your GP Surgery in the first instance.
If you have any urgent queries regarding your postoperative recovery please call 111 or visit the nearest Urgent Treatment Center.