Relieve Pain with Elbow Bursitis Surgery

Elbow bursitis surgery is used to relieve symptoms of persistent bursitis, including tenderness, warmth, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Surgery involves removing the olecranon bursa in the elbow, which becomes inflamed during elbow bursitis.

At Dignity Health, we believe you don’t need to live with joint pain. That's why our orthopedic services team, including surgeons, nurses, technicians, and therapists, uses the most advanced orthopedic treatments and surgical techniques to help relieve your pain. Find a Doctor who specializes in elbow bursitis surgery in the Bay Area.

When Do Doctors Perform Elbow Surgery for Bursitis?

Elbow bursitis — inflammation of the bursa — is typically treated with rest, corticosteroid shots, anti-inflammatory medicines, and fluid drainage. Elbow surgery may be necessary if the bursa has become infected and hasn’t responded to fluid removal or antibiotic treatment. Surgery is rarely used for bursitis that isn’t caused by an infection.

What to Expect During Bursitis Elbow Surgery in the Bay Area

Elbow surgery for a noninfectious bursitis is usually a short outpatient procedure. You’ll be able to go home after the general anesthesia has worn off and you are alert. 

For surgery on an infected bursa, you may need to spend a night in a Dignity Health hospital to receive IV (intravenous) antibiotics before the surgery.

Recovering After Elbow Bursitis Surgery

After surgery, you may need to wear a splint or surgical wrapping to protect your elbow. You may also need to wear protection or padding on your elbow for a few months after surgery. If you had surgery for an infected bursa, your doctor may recommended antibiotics for a short time.

Recovery from bursitis surgery is usually faster than other types of elbow surgery because it does not involve muscles and ligaments. Most people have full use of their elbow in about three to four weeks. 

The olecranon bursa will regrow after a few months, but you probably will not notice it. Your Dignity Health doctor can help you learn strategies, such as physical therapy, to prevent future elbow conditions.

If you think you may need elbow bursitis surgery, call (866) 466-1401 to request a doctor referral. You can always rely on our experts to prioritize your well-being.

Dignity Health surgeons treat elbow pain with elbow bursitis surgery in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.