ELBOW (OLECRANON) FRACTURE

The olecranon, the bony prominence at the tip of the elbow, can easily be felt when the elbow is bent. Positioned directly under the skin of the elbow, it has little protection from muscles or other soft tissues. If a fracture occurs to the olecranon, depending on the X-ray alignment of the fracture, surgery may or may not be recommended.

Cause

The elbow can easily break from a direct blow or fall on a bent elbow.

Prevention

Maintain muscle mass, as it helps to prevent falling. Participation in sports like football, hockey, wrestling and gymnastics may cause a fall resulting in an elbow fracture.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of fracture. A non-displaced fracture can usually be treated with a splint or sling to hold the elbow at a 90-degree angle.

A displaced fracture is best treated surgically. A plate or a combination of wires and pins or screws will hold the bones in place. Physical therapy will usually start after the operation to maintain range of motion.

If the joint is not involved, fractures of the tip of the olecranon may be treated by removing the small fragment and repairing the tendon that has pulled off. Elderly people with a displaced fracture may be treated with a sling and early range of motion instead of surgery.