Olecranon bursa removal: what to know

The olecranon bursa is a small cushioning sac between the elbow skin and the pointed elbow bone. Repeated pressure, a blow, inflammatory disease, or infection can make it swell. Removal may be discussed when swelling keeps returning, drainage persists, or infection does not settle with appropriate treatment. The surgeon examines the skin and swelling and may send removed tissue or fluid for testing. A swollen bursa is different from every other kind of joint problem; [Knee Bursitis](/conditions/knee-bursitis/) explains the same broad process in another location.

The operation may involve an incision over the back of the elbow, removal of the bursa, wound closure, and a dressing. The exact approach depends on the skin, fluid, infection risk, and your general health. Removal does not prevent every future cause of irritation, so pressure protection and treatment of an underlying inflammatory condition may still matter.

Before surgery, tell the team about medicines, allergies, diabetes, immune conditions, and any previous elbow infection. Afterward, keep the dressing dry as instructed, avoid leaning on the elbow, and use the prescribed movement plan. Elevate the arm if advised and attend wound checks. Do not squeeze a new lump or apply creams unless the surgical team recommends them. Recovery can be affected by wound tension and repeated pressure, so ask when driving, work, lifting, and exercise can resume.

Contact the team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, wound separation, fever, or pain that is worsening rather than settling. Urgent assessment is needed for severe swelling with numbness, a cold or pale hand, or sudden loss of movement. A small amount of expected tenderness may occur, but new symptoms should be judged against the instructions given for your operation. Learn more about [Bursa Removal](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/bursa-removal/).

Ask what is causing the bursa problem, whether fluid or tissue will be tested, how the wound will be protected, and when elbow movement starts. Clarify infection warning signs, expected follow-up, work restrictions, and what happens if swelling returns.