Recalcitrant bicipital radial bursitis.

Three of 12 nonrheumatoid patients with bicipital radial bursitis had recurrent and recalcitrant symptoms and underwent operative treatment. Preoperative computed tomogram showed an anterior distended synovial cyst at the level of the radial tubercle. Magnetic resonance imaging provided a superb demonstration of a bicipital radial bursa which communicated with the elbow joint below the annular ligament. Surgical exploration revealed a valvular mechanism between the distended bursa and the joint cavity. Excision of the distended bursa and closing the capsular defect lead to excellent results. An antecubital cyst resulting from an acute or chronic tear of the anterior capsule at the sacciform recess may communicate with the bicipital radial bursa and become the cause of recurrent and recalcitrant symptoms.