American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the most effective treatment for noninfectious olecranon bursitis?

1. Corticosteroid injections

2. Surgical intervention

3. Physical protection and NSAIDs

4. Physical therapy only

The correct answer is: Physical protection and NSAIDs

The most effective treatment for noninfectious olecranon bursitis primarily involves physical protection and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This approach is beneficial as it focuses on reducing inflammation and pain while allowing the body to heal naturally. Physical protection helps minimize further irritation of the bursa, which is essential in cases where the bursitis arises from repetitive motion or pressure. NSAIDs, on the other hand, help to alleviate pain and mitigate the inflammatory response, promoting comfort during the healing process. While corticosteroid injections can provide significant relief in some cases of bursitis, they may not be the first-line treatment for noninfectious cases, as these injections carry risks of complications and may not address the underlying cause. Surgical intervention is generally reserved for cases where conservative treatments fail and symptoms persist, indicating more severe underlying issues. Physical therapy may be beneficial, but on its own, it may not provide the immediate relief needed for inflammation and pain associated with the condition. Therefore, the combination of physical protection and the use of NSAIDs aligns with a conservative and effective management strategy for noninfectious olecranon bursitis, addressing both the symptoms and contributing factors without unnecessary intervention.