From the Research
Definition and Causes
- Mild soft tissue swelling posterior to the olecranon can be associated with olecranon bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa that cushions the olecranon bone at the elbow 1.
- Olecranon bursitis can be caused by various factors, including trauma, infection, or repetitive motion, and can lead to soft tissue defects or swelling in the area 2, 3.
Imaging Characteristics
- MRI characteristics of olecranon bursitis include bursa size, marginal lobulation, septation, concomitant elbow joint effusion, soft-tissue edema, and rim enhancement 1.
- Ultrasonography can also be used to diagnose olecranon bursitis, detecting effusions, synovial proliferation, calcifications, and loose bodies, as well as increased blood flow consistent with inflammation 4.
Treatment Options
- Treatment options for olecranon bursitis and associated soft tissue defects include local fasciocutaneous flaps, VAC therapy, and other surgical procedures 2, 3.
- In some cases, olecranon bursitis can resolve without antimicrobial or surgical intervention, as seen in a case report of a patient with Mycobacterium avium complex olecranon bursitis 5.