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Factors associated with revision surgery for olecranon bursitis after bursectomy
Lazin Germawi1, Ritsaart F Westenberg2, Frederick Wang1
1Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Division of Orthopaedics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|November 4, 2020
Summary
Revision surgery after olecranon bursitis bursectomy occurred in 11.5% of patients. Female patients, those with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or prior bursitis, were more likely to need repeat surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Olecranon bursitis is a common condition.
- Bursal excision (bursectomy) is a treatment option.
- Revision surgery may be necessary after bursectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify factors associated with revision surgery after olecranon bursa excision.
- Determine the revision rate following bursectomy.
- Assess factors linked to flap surgery and common complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 191 adult patients undergoing olecranon bursa excision (2002-2018).
- Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, incomplete records, and bursectomy during elbow arthroplasty.
- Bivariate analysis assessed associations between revision surgery and patient/clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and intraoperative variables.
Main Results:
- The overall revision rate was 11.5% (22/191 patients).
- Revision surgery was associated with female gender, history of ipsilateral/contralateral bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes mellitus.
- Most frequent complications included delayed wound healing and osteomyelitis (4.2% each).
- Flap surgery was performed in 2.6% of patients, more often in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusions:
- The revision rate after olecranon bursectomy is 11.5%.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, prior olecranon bursitis, and female gender are risk factors for revision surgery.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is also associated with a higher rate of flap surgery post-bursectomy.
