Elbow Case 5 Diagnosis

Diagnosis of septic bursitis can often be made clinically when there is tense swelling with erythema and warmth that is pronounced.  Septic bursitis can often be clinically ruled out when there is no warmth or erythema.  If the diagnosis is unclear after examining the patient, fluid can be aspirated and sent for cell count, gram stain, culture, and crystal analysis.