Isolated Olecranon Fractures

Patients present with pain, swelling, and tenderness of the olecranon; there may also be a deformity. Extension of the elbow is limited or impossible.

• Neurovascular examination

• Imaging tests

Distal neurovascular examination is vital, because the ulnar nerve can be injured. Standard anteroposterior and lateral views of the elbow reveal most fractures, most obviously on the lateral view.

Olecranon Fracture

Image

Credit line: ANTONIA REEVE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

• Surgery

• Long arm posterior splint

• Antibiotics and orthopedic consultation (for open fractures)

Greater severity of displacement and/or comminution usually require operative management. The Mayo classification is commonly used to classify the degree of displacement, comminution, and stability (1). Initial management for most cases is a long arm posterior splint and close orthopedic follow-up. Open fractures should be managed with immediate antibiotics and orthopedic consultation.