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Conclusions

Olecranon bursitis remains a condition that is infrequently encountered, and treatment options are less than dogmatic. We encourage nonoperative management of this condition initially. However, operative treatment for recalcitrant cases can be successful and produce longlasting results. We believe that arthroscopic resection of the bursa lessens the frequency of complications of skin incisions and infections and loss of joint mobility.

To be effective in treating olecranon bursitis, the physician needs to recognize the patient at risk for complications. The physician should be familiar with basic bursal histopathology, elbow anatomy, and treatment options for acute, aseptic bursitis. He or she should be able to recognize septic bursitis, which is potentially fatal, and take the appropriate steps to make the diagnosis and treat the patient.

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Baker, C.L., Hester, P.W. (2002). Olecranon Bursitis. In: Baker, C.L., Plancher, K.D. (eds) Operative Treatment of Elbow Injuries. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-21533-6_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-21533-6_28

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-98905-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-21533-4

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