What are the causes and MRI appearance of olecranon bursitis?
Olecranon bursitis is most commonly caused by acute or repetitive trauma and may be associated with tears or tendinosis of the triceps tendon. Other causes include systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, hydroxyapatite deposition, and calcium pyrophosphate deposition. Approximately 20% of acute olecranon bursitis cases present with infection from a hematogenous source or from direct spread from lacerations or cellulitis. The typical MRI appearance is a high T2-weighted fluid signal intensity collection superficial to the olecranon. When chronic, it may have a more complex appearance mimicking a solid mass.
