Olecranon Bursitis Aspiration
Olecranon Bursitis aspiration is important for accurate diagnosis and management of the cause of the olecranon bursa swelling and pain.
The prime indications for olecranon bursa drainage / injection are:
- Diagnostic evaluation
- Symptomatic relief
- Therapeutic intervention
The olecranon bursa is a small fluid-filled fibrous subcutaneous sac which overlies the olecranon process in the elbow and lies between the point of the elbow, the olecranon, and the skin. Olecranon bursa swelling can occur in both genders and is usually seen in adults, but can be seen in adolescents.
See Also: Olecranon Bursitis | Symptoms & Treatment
Equipment Needed
- Syringe: 2 ml
- Needle: Blue, 23 gauge
- Kenalog 40: 20 mg (for olecranon Bursitis injection)
- Lidocaine: 1.5 ml, 2% (for olecranon Bursitis injection)
- Total volume: 2 ml
See Also: Elbow Injection Technique
Olecranon Bursitis Aspiration / Injection
You should inform the patient of the procedure, including harms versus benefits, purposes, alternatives.
Patient sits with supported elbow at a right angle, then identify the centre of tender area of bursa.
Cleanse the skin with an antiseptic solution and insert the needle into the centre of tender area of bursa.
Once the aspirating needle is inserted into the bursa, general traction is applied to the plunger to aspirate the bursa or inject the solution of steroids.
After the bursa is decompressed, the needle is removed, and a sterile dressing is applied. Consider adding a compression bandage over the sterile dressing.
Advise relative rest for a week and then resumption of normal activities, avoiding leaning on the elbow.
References & More
- O’Shea NE, Tadi P. Olecranon Bursa Aspiration. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554617/
- Cardone DA, Tallia AF. Diagnostic and therapeutic injection of the elbow region. Am Fam Physician. 2002 Dec 1;66(11):2097-100. PMID: 12484691. Pubmed
- Injection Techniques in Musculoskeletal Medicine. A Practical Manual for Clinicians In Primary And Secondary Care. Fifth Edition
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