An olecranon fracture is a common injury caused by a fall or direct blow to the elbow joint. Most fractures can be treated conservatively, but serious fractures require surgery. Athletes and older people are at higher risk, and symptoms include pain, swelling, and immobility. Diagnosis involves x-rays and MRI scans, and treatment may involve wearing braces or undergoing physical therapy. Severe fractures require surgery to realign the olecranon and may involve the placement of screws or artificial material.
An olecranon fracture is a break at the base of the elbow joint. The ulna bone extends from the wrist to the back of the elbow, where a section called the olecranon forms the familiar bony protrusion. An olecranon fracture usually occurs with a fall or direct blow to the end of the elbow, resulting in immediate, severe pain and swelling. Most fractures are treated conservatively by placing the arm in a sling or soft cast and waiting for the bones to heal on their own. Serious olecranon fractures and joint dislocations require surgery to correct the tissue damage.
The olecranon itself is a sturdy section of bone, but it is still highly susceptible to fracture due to its proximity to the body. The bone is not well protected by the surrounding tissue and is a very common site of trauma in active people. An olecranon fracture can result from a direct blow from a blunt object, a fall in which most of the impact is absorbed by the elbow, or an awkward bending or twisting motion that dislocates the joint. Adult athletes who play contact sports are at a higher risk of developing olecranon fractures. Older people are also at risk, as their bones are generally more fragile and they may be more likely to suffer falls.
An olecranon fracture typically causes sudden pain that may soon be accompanied by dizziness and nausea. The elbow joint swells and the person is unable to move the arm. If you have an elbow injury, it is very important to immobilize the joint in a sling until you can seek professional medical help. A person should be taken to the emergency room immediately to receive a proper diagnosis and pain management medication.
Upon admission to an emergency room, a doctor usually administers oral or injected medicine to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling. Your doctor can do x-rays and MRI scans of your elbow to determine the exact location and severity of the tear. Most olecranon fractures do not cause serious damage to the bone or surrounding structures. Patients simply need to wear braces or braces for several weeks and get regular checkups with a doctor to make sure their bones are healing properly. A sling can be removed in about two months, at which time a patient may need to perform exercises or attend physical therapy to regain strength.
An olecranon fracture is considered serious if the bone shatters into small pieces or dislocates from the elbow joint. Surgery is usually needed for severe fractures. An experienced surgeon can make an incision in the elbow, remove bone fragments, suture damaged tissue, and realign the olecranon into place. Some breaks require the placement of screws or artificial material to help fix the bone. Physical therapy is important in helping patients develop strength and flexibility after surgical procedures.
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