title: Olecranon bursitis: a systematic overview.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Olecranon bursitis is a common condition where the bursal cavity, superficial to the olecranon, becomes inflamed. This can occur either with or without infection and has been given pseudonyms relating to the repeated minor trauma from external pressure that often predisposes. As a result of the multiple aetiologies, olecranon bursitis can present to any medical specialty with reasonable frequency and, although many therapies are described, a single, evidence-based and standardized treatment pathway is not well described.
  
  
  METHODS
  We summarize the key points within the literature and subsequently propose an evidence-based treatment pathway.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Relevant evidence is presented from appropriate publications to add rational to existing decision-making processes, together with personal experience and suggested operative bursectomy techniques from an established upper limb surgeon. The common and significant aetiologies are summarized and, in particular, red flag symptoms are highlighted by way of warning to the unsuspecting investigator.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The conclusion is provided in diagrammatic form, providing a suggested treatment pathway from history and examination through to operative intervention.
authors: Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Shrewsbury, UK.
authors: John R
authors: JR
authors: Blackwell
authors: University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Bruce A
authors: BA
authors: Hay
authors: Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Shrewsbury, UK.
authors: Alexander M
authors: AM
authors: Bolt
authors: Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Shrewsbury, UK.
authors: Stuart M
authors: SM
authors: Hay
keywords: Bursitis; bursectomy; inflammation; olecranon; orthopaedics; trauma