Elbow Case 5 History/Physical Exam

Olecranon Bursitis

• Any history of local trauma (laceration, puncture) or preceding infection should raise suspicion for septic olecranon bursitis. However, the absence of trauma or a wound does not rule out the possibility of infectious septic bursitis.

• Physical exam should differentiate swelling of the olecranon bursa (increased pain in terminal flexion) from joint effusion (increased pain at terminal extension).

• Check for erythema or warmth over the olecranon bursa, which would raise the suspicion for infectious bursitis.