The intratendinous olecranon bursa is a small, inconstant bursa lying within the substance of the triceps tendon near its insertion on the olecranon. It is one of three bursae at the back of the elbow, alongside the subcutaneous olecranon bursa and the subtendinous bursa of triceps.
| Location | Within the distal triceps tendon, close to its insertion on the olecranon |
|---|---|
| Nearby |
|
Reduces friction between the fibres of the distal triceps tendon as it wraps over the olecranon during elbow flexion
Because it lies inside the tendon, fluid in this bursa can be mistaken on ultrasound or MRI for a partial-thickness triceps tear or intrasubstance degeneration. It is rarely symptomatic on its own, and the large subcutaneous olecranon bursa is far more often responsible for swelling at the point of the elbow.
Uncommon inflammation of the bursa within the triceps tendon causing deep posterior elbow pain on resisted extension, which must be distinguished from a partial triceps tendon tear on imaging.
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