Ann Rehabil Med.  2016 Apr;40(2):310-317. 10.5535/arm.2016.40.2.310.

Ultrasound-Guided 50% Ethyl Alcohol Injection for Patients With Malleolar and Olecranon Bursitis: A Prospective Pilot Study

• Hong JS
• Kim HS
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2309931
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2016.40.2.310

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and effect of ultrasound-guided ethyl alcohol injection on malleolar and olecranon synovial proliferative bursitis.
METHODS
Twenty-four patients received ultrasound-guided 50% diluted ethyl alcohol injection at the site of synovial proliferative bursitis after aspiration of the free fluid.
RESULTS
Swelling and symptoms significantly decreased in 13 of the 24 patients without any complications. Eleven patients had partial improvement in swelling and symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound-guided alcohol injection could be an alternative therapeutic option before surgery in patients with chronic intractable malleolar and olecranon synovial proliferative bursitis.

Keyword

Synovium; Bursitis; Ethyl alcohol; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Bursitis*
Ethanol*
Humans
Olecranon Process*
Pilot Projects*
Prospective Studies*
Synovial Membrane
Ultrasonography

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Ultrasound image and photographs of the olecranon (OL) bursitis. (A) Photograph of fluid collection prior to injection. (B) Initial ultrasound image of olecranon bursa. Pannus proliferation inside the olecranon bursa is seen. (C) Photograph of improved fluid collection after injection. (D) Ultrasound image of the shrunk bursa. Complete response was found after injection; pannus was removed in the oleclenon bursa; no fluid collection was found.

• 

  Fig. 2 Ultrasound image and photographs of the lateral malleolar bursitis. (A) Photograph of fluid collection prior to injection. (B) Initial ultrasound image of lateral malleolar bursa showing fluid collection. (C) Photograph of improved fluid collection after injection. (D) Ultrasound image of the bursa after injection showing improved status of fluid collection. ML, malleolar bone.

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