This protocol addresses olecranon bursitis that has failed to adequately respond to aspiration with intrabursal corticosteroid injection — where expected early improvement and timely resolution did not occur and further intervention is required.
Aspiration with intrabursal corticosteroid injection into the olecranon bursa was intended to achieve a decrease in bursal swelling at 1 week and full resolution of olecranon bursitis at approximately 2–3 weeks. When those goals are not met, escalation is indicated.
This stage involves a surgical intervention directed at the olecranon bursa. The complete protocol — including the specific technique options and the clinical decision pathway — is available in the full regimen.
Resolution of olecranon bursitis symptoms, no limitation in elbow range of motion, and return to daily activities.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.006
For nonseptic olecranon bursitis, surgical management is considered for cases refractory to non-operative management, aspiration, and/or intrabursal injection.
Bursectomy or olecranon spur excision can be performed if symptoms persist.
The traditional treatment of a persistently swollen and inflamed bursa has been open bursectomy.
All patients in both groups returned to daily activities and had no limitations in range of motion in the affected elbow.
Diminished tenderness and resolution in 30 of 31 patients as well as no infections or wound complications.
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