Aspiration of the Olecranon Bursa

elbow

Bursitis is pain and swelling of the bursae. These are sacs of fluid that help your joints move smoothly. Olecranon bursitis is a type of bursitis that affects the back of the elbow. This is sometimes called Popeye elbow because the bump that develops looks like the cartoon character Popeye’s elbow.

Treatment for sudden (acute) bursitis may include drainage of excess fluid in the sac with a needle, followed by injections of medicines into the sac to decrease inflammation and promote healing.

Treatment for ongoing (chronic) bursitis focuses on teaching you to avoid leaning on your elbows, protecting your elbows during sports activities with elbow pads, and using anti-inflammatory medicines. Antibiotic medicines may be needed to treat infection, and surgery may be needed to drain or remove (excise) the bursa.

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Doctors

Listed below are Signature Medical Group physicians who specialize in this treatment.

Robert P. Bruce, MD

Robert P. Bruce

Overland Park, KS

  • Orthopedics
  • Hip and Knee
  • Joint Replacement
  • Shoulder and Elbow
  • Sports Medicine

Kenneth (Buck) S. Smith, MD

Kenneth (Buck) S. Smith

St. Louis, MO

  • Orthopedics
  • Foot and Ankle
  • Sports Medicine
  • Trauma

Patrick J. Reardon, MD

Patrick J. Reardon

St. Louis, MO

  • Sports Medicine
  • Hip and Knee
  • Orthopedics
  • Shoulder

Suzanne G. Elton, MD

Suzanne G. Elton

Overland Park, KS

  • Orthopedics
  • Hand and Wrist
  • Shoulder and Elbow

Robert G. Medler, MD

Robert G. Medler

St. Louis, MO

  • Orthopedics
  • Foot and Ankle
  • Hip and Knee
  • Joint Replacement
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Shoulder and Elbow
  • Sports Medicine
  • Trauma

Stephen V. Hiatt, MD

Stephen V. Hiatt

Overland Park, KS

  • Orthopedics
  • Hand and Wrist
  • Shoulder and Elbow

Robert H. Sigmund, MD

Robert H. Sigmund

St. Louis, MO

  • Orthopedics
  • Hip and Knee
  • Joint Replacement
  • Sports Medicine

J. Clinton Walker, MD

J. Clinton Walker

Overland Park, KS

  • Orthopedics
  • Hand and Wrist
  • Shoulder and Elbow

Thomas S. Samuelson, MD

Thomas S. Samuelson

Overland Park, KS

  • Orthopedics
  • Hip and Knee
  • Shoulder and Elbow
  • Sports Medicine
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Locations

Signature Orthopedics South County

Signature Orthopedics South County
12639 Old Tesson Road
Suites 100 and 115
St. Louis, MO 63128
Get directions
314-849-0311

Signature Orthopedics Fenton

Signature Orthopedics Fenton
1011 Bowles Avenue
Suite 100
Fenton, MO 63026
Get directions
314-849-0311

Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic

Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic
10701 Nall Avenue
Suite 200
Overland Park, KS 66211
Get directions
913-381-5225

Signature Orthopedics Chesterfield

Signature Orthopedics Chesterfield
121 St. Luke’s Center Drive
Building A, Suite 302
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Get directions
314-849-0311

Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic Lee’s Summit

Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic Lee’s Summit
3151 NE Carnegie Drive
Suite B
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Get directions
913-381-5225