SFMS Radiology Practice Test

Ultrasound can clearly separate periarticular fluid collections from changes inside the joint or in the tendons. In this scenario the key feature is a distended olecranon bursa with an anechoic or simple fluid collection surrounding the olecranon. That finding points to olecranon bursitis. The absence of an elevated white count makes septic processes less likely, supporting a non-infectious (aseptic) bursitis rather than septic arthritis. By contrast, tendinopathy would show thickened or hypoechoic tendons or tendinous degeneration rather than a fluid-filled bursa; osteoarthritis would produce joint space narrowing and osteophytes with possible intra-articular effusion rather than a superficial bursal fluid collection; a fracture would reveal cortical disruption or a fracture line in the bone.