General practice & prim · UKMLA & AKT
Olecranon bursitis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise olecranon bursitis — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Soft, fluctuant swelling directly over the posterior elbow
- Elbow range of movement largely preserved - bursa lies outside the joint capsule
- Pain only at full flexion (distended bursa compressed against olecranon)
Preserved elbow range of movement (except at full flexion) = bursal pathology. All movements painful and restricted = suspect septic arthritis of the elbow (orthopaedic emergency).
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