What is the treatment for an olecranon fracture?
Some olecranon fractures can be treated by being casted or placed in a splint to hold the elbow in place while the bone heals. Surgery may be indicated if the elbow is displaced or if the fracture is open. Displaced fractures are treated operatively by internal fixation using wires, screws or plates.
How long does an olecranon fracture take to heal?
Depending upon the severity of your fracture, your doctor may allow you to use your arm to feed, bath, and dress yourself. However, you may be restricted from lifting, pushing, or pulling activities (including opening or closing doors) with your injured arm for 6 to 12 weeks.
What is a comminuted olecranon fracture?
Abstract. Severely comminuted olecranon fractures are challenging injuries. Commonly used tension band wiring exerts excessive compressive forces causing olecranon shortening, joint incongruity and humeral trochlea subluxation.
Is a olecranon fracture serious?
The elbow is made up of a group of bones that connect the humerus (upper arm) to the ulna and the radius (the forearm bones). The olecranon or “tip of the elbow” is part of the ulna. If a fracture occurs in any of these bones, it can cause extreme pain and greatly impair your ability to move your arm.
Can you move your arm with olecranon fracture?
An olecranon fracture usually causes sudden, intense pain and can prevent you from moving your elbow. Other signs and symptoms of a fracture may include: Swelling over the tip or back of the elbow.
Do you need a cast for a fractured elbow?
In most cases, people with elbow fractures will be in a cast or splint for at least three to six weeks. Many people can return to normal activities in about four months, though full healing can take a year or longer.
What is olecranon process?
Definitions of olecranon process. process of the ulna that forms the outer bump of the elbow and fits into the fossa of the humerus when the arm is extended. synonyms: olecranon. type of: appendage, outgrowth, process. a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant.
Where is the olecranon process located?
the elbow
this notch is called the olecranon process; it articulates behind the humerus in the olecranon fossa and may be felt as the point of the elbow.
What bone is the olecranon process on?
the ulna
The olecranon is the part of the ulna that cups the lower end of the humerus, creating a hinge for elbow movement.
How painful is an olecranon fracture?
Olecranon fractures are normally very painful, and you will likely experience acute discomfort on the olecranon itself, as well as underneath the elbow. This pain may radiate outward affecting the lower and upper arms.
What type of bone is the olecranon?
The olecranon is the part of the ulna that cups the lower end of the humerus, creating a hinge for elbow movement. The bony point of the olecranon can easily be felt beneath the skin because it is covered by just a thin layer of tissue.
What is the purpose of the olecranon?
The olecranon is the part of the ulna that cups the lower end of the humerus, creating a hinge for elbow movement.
What is the optimal treatment for displaced olecranon fractures in older adults?
The optimal treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in older adults is controversial. Nonoperative treatment comprises a couple of weeks of immobilization of the injured elbow in semi-extension followed by rehabilitation exercises.
Why are olecranon fractures considered intraarticular injuries?
First, the olecranon is the site of insertion of the triceps—a muscle whose action would tend to displace a fracture. Second, the trochlear notch of the olecranon forms a cavity in which the distal humerus sits [14], and thus all olecranon fractures, by definition, are intraarticular injuries.
What is the complication rate of geriatric olecranon fractures?
Geriatric olecranon fractures treated with plate fixation have low complication rates. Campbell ST, Debaun MR, Goodnough LH, Bishop JA, Gardner MJ. Curr Orthop Pract. 2019;30:353–355. [ Google Scholar] 15. Complications and re-operation rate after tension-band wiring of olecranon fractures. Romero JM, Miran A, Jensen CH.
When is surgical management indicated in the treatment of extensor fractures?
Surgical management is indicated for displaced fractures or fractures associated with loss of extensor mechanism. Technique guides are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including ABOS, EBOT and RC.