Olecranon bursitis
ICD-10 M70.2 · ICD-11 NC36.7

Olecranon Bursitis with Prominent Olecranon Process or Bony Spur When Aspiration Has Not Resolved Bursal Swelling

This protocol addresses nonseptic olecranon bursitis occurring in patients with a prominent olecranon process or olecranon bony spur, where aspiration of bursa fluid has been attempted but bursal swelling has not resolved.

Clinical Scenario

A prominent olecranon tip or bony spur can predispose a patient to nonseptic olecranon bursitis by increasing the likelihood of microtrauma to the olecranon bursa. For these patients, excision of the olecranon prominence may be considered.

Prior Treatment Line — Target Not Met

Aspiration of olecranon bursa fluid was the first-line intervention for the prominent olecranon spur presentation. When aspiration fails to achieve resolution of olecranon bursal swelling, escalation to the next treatment line is indicated.

Next-Step Treatment Approach

The next step involves a surgical procedure targeting the underlying bony prominence. Technique options exist, and selection is guided by patient- and case-specific factors.

Full technique details, selection criteria, and procedural specifics are available in the complete structured regimen below.
Treatment Goals

Return to normal olecranon bursa size with no recurrence of olecranon bursitis.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.006

Presence of a prominent olecranon tip or bony spur can predispose a patient to nonseptic olecranon bursitis, increasing the likelihood of the occurrence of microtrauma to the olecranon bursa. For these patients, excision of the olecranon prominence can be considered.

This procedure removes the bony spur to expose a broad surface with wider weight distribution and thus decreased risk of trauma to the joint; the bursa is preserved.

Quayle and Robinson evaluated outcomes of open olecranon spur excision in patients with disease refractory to either non-operative management or aspiration.

Singh and Bain described an endoscopic extrabursal technique for olecranon spur excision.

Each patient was treated with excision of the olecranon spur and experienced a return to normal bursa size with no recurrence of olecranon bursitis.

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