title: The existence of cords in olecranon bursae.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to document the existence of transverse cords in olecranon bursae in patients undergoing excision of the bursa and to describe the unique clinical presentation of patients with these cords.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study was performed on 24 patients who had surgery to excise an olecranon bursa between 2006 and 2011. The patient's history, preoperative radiographs, ultrasound images, intraoperative photographs, and findings on histologic analysis were reviewed in all cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine olecranon bursae had cords (cord group) and 15 did not have cords (noncord group). All patients in the cord group were male manual laborers, and nearly all had olecranon enthesophytes (n = 8). Patients in the noncord group had associated medical conditions or an infection. A higher level of satisfaction was reported in the noncord group after surgical excision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study documents the existence of transverse cords oriented at right angles to the long axis of the olecranon. Olecranon bursae with cords have a unique presentation and are found in male manual workers, are nearly always associated with an olecranon enthesophyte, and do not present with infections.
authors.affiliation: Western Orthopaedic Clinic, St John of God Healthcare, Subiaco, WA, Australia; Hand and Upper Limb Centre, South Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ecker
authors.affiliation: School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, Australia. Electronic address: jay.ebert@uwa.edu.au.
authors.forename: Jay R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ebert
authors.affiliation: Joondalup Orthopaedic Group, Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Arash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taheri
authors.affiliation: Department of Histopathology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Darwin, NT, Australia.
authors.forename: Ravi K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Mathew
authors.affiliation: Hand and Upper Limb Centre, South Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Derserri Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Chee
authors.affiliation: Perth Radiological Clinic, Subiaco, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Breidahl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002061:Bursa, Synovial / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002062:Bursitis / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D056740:Olecranon Process / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014457:Ulna / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Olecranon bursitis; elbow; transverse olecranon cord