Patient Education
To help you understand and navigate through your orthopedic health decisions, we have created a patient education section. Please select from one of the categories below to learn more about your condition or procedure:
An olecranon fracture is a break in the bony prominence (olecranon) at the proximal end of the ulna bone that forms the tip of the elbow. It is a common elbow fracture, accounting for around 10% of upper extremity fractures in adults.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden, intense pain in the elbow
- Inability to move or extend the elbow
- Swelling around the elbow
- Bruising around the elbow, possibly extending up/down the arm
- Tenderness when touched
- Numbness in one or more fingers
- Instability or feeling the elbow may “pop out”
Cause & Anatomy
The olecranon forms part of the elbow joint along with the humerus and radius bones. An olecranon fracture can occur from:
- Falling directly onto the elbow
- A direct blow to the elbow (e.g. from a bat, vehicle collision)
- Falling on an outstretched arm with the elbow locked, causing the triceps muscle attached to the olecranon to pull off a bone fragment
The olecranon is part of the articular surface of the elbow joint, so these fractures are intra-articular injuries.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made based on:
- History of the injury mechanism
- Physical examination findings like pain, swelling, bruising
- X-rays to visualize the fracture pattern
Prevention
Olecranon fractures typically result from trauma, so prevention involves using protective gear during activities with fall/impact risk.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the fracture pattern and degree of displacement:
- Nondisplaced fractures may be treated with immobilization alone but this is uncommon
- Displaced/unstable fractures usually require surgery to restore joint congruity and stability
Surgery
Surgical options include:
- Tension band wiring to stabilize the fracture fragments
- Plate and screw fixation, especially for comminuted fractures
- Excision of small fracture fragments with repair of the triceps tendon
Rehabilitation
After immobilization, physical therapy focuses on regaining range of motion and strength. Full recovery can take over a year, with some residual stiffness common.
FAQ’s
When can normal activities be resumed?
Most patients can return to normal activities around 4 months post-injury, though full healing may take over a year.
What are potential complications?
Potential complications include loss of motion, posttraumatic arthritis, symptomatic hardware requiring removal, nonunion, and elbow instability.
To schedule an appointment:
To speak with a medical professional, call:
Conditions & Procedures