An olecranon fracture is a break (fracture) in the most prominent bony “point” of the elbow, which is the end point of the ulna bone- one of the two forearm bones
Symptoms
- Pain-particularly in the back of the elbow
- Swelling over the bony “point” of the elbow
- Bruising
- Tender to touch
- Numbness or tingling in fingers- most likely pinky and ring finger
- Inability to straighten arm or extreme pain with straightening of arm
- Instability of the elbow joint
- Deformity or defect in the ulna bone
Cause
- Direct blow or trauma to elbow
- Falling on an outstretched hand with elbow fully extended
Risk factors
- Activity with a high risk of falling
- Extreme sports
Prevention
- Avoid situations that put one at a higher risk of falling
Diagnosis
- Physician will examine to make sure no other structures in the elbow are involved
- Check pulse and feeling in fingers/hand
- X-rays to determine severity/type of fracture
Treatment
- Non-surgical
- Immobilize elbow. Splint in an L shape over the back of the elbow and place arm in a sling for comfort
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or pain medication if necessary
- Frequent X-rays taken to make sure that the bone is healing properly
- Physical therapy begun after 6 weeks of immobilization to restore strength and flexibility
- Anti-biotics needed if an open fracture or open wound
- Surgical
- Removal of fracture fragment
- Surgery needed if the fracture is displaced or if there is a tear in the tricep tendon
- Open-reduction internal fixation (most common)
- Bone graft
