Surgical treatment of aseptic olecranon bursitis

J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1997 Jan-Feb;6(1):49-54. doi: 10.1016/s1058-2746(97)90070-7.

Abstract

Most cases of aseptic olecranon bursitis respond to conservative treatment, yet some will develop a chronic bursitis with sufficient symptoms to warrant surgery. Over a 10-year period 21 cases of aseptic olecranon bursitis were treated surgically at our institution. Surveillance was a minimum of 2 years and averaged 5.2 years. The procedure provided complete and long-term relief in only 40% (two of five) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, whereas 94% (15 of 16) of the patients without rheumatoid arthritis did well (p = 0.028, Fisher's Exact test). No patients had deep infection or draining wounds. Properly performed surgical treatment of aseptic olecranon bursitis appears to offer long-lasting symptomatic relief to patients without rheumatoid arthritis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Bursitis / etiology
  • Bursitis / surgery*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Elbow Joint*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome