Medical conditions

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa (synovial sac), which functions as a membrane sac filled with fluid. There are several bursae in the human body. The function of this sac is to prevent friction between two structures (for example, tendon and bone or tendon and muscle) or to protect bony prominences. Inflammation of the bursae causes pain when moving the affected joint and frequently causes local swelling (edema). In the elbow, the bursa is located posteriorly at the level of the olecranon (the pointed prominence of the elbow). Its inflammation leads to swelling in this region, pain, and difficulty bending and extending the elbow.