Olecranon fracture

Background

• Occurs via direct trauma or by fall w/ forced hyperextension of elbow
• Associated injuries are common:
  • Dislocations, radial head fx, ulnar nerve injury

Clinical Features

• Pain, swelling, and occasionally over posterior elbow
• Forearm extension strength is reduced (triceps inserts at the olecranon)

Differential Diagnosis

Elbow Diagnoses

Radiograph-Positive

• Distal humerus fracture
• Radial head fracture
  • Essex-Lopresti fracture
• Capitellum fracture
• Olecranon fracture
• Elbow dislocation

Radiograph-Negative

• Biceps tendon rupture/dislocation
• Lateral epicondylitis
• Medial epicondylitis
• Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
• Pronator teres syndrome
• Septic bursitis

Pediatric

• Nursemaid's elbow
• Supracondylar fracture
• Lateral epicondyle fracture
• Medial epicondyle fracture
• Olecranon fracture
• Radial head fracture
• Salter-Harris fractures

Management

• Rule-out ulnar nerve injury
• Immobilize w/ long arm posterior mold w/ elbow in flexion and forearm neutral
• Refer to ortho w/in 24hr

See Also

• Elbow diagnoses
• Elbow Fractures (Main)

Source

• Tintinalli