Olecranon fractures
Olecranon has little or no muscle or other soft tissue protection, making it vulnerable to damage from falls and impacts. The olecranon is the most prominent of the bones forming the elbow joint, specifically the ulna. It attaches to the triceps and, along with the humerus, constitutes the elbow joint, which is responsible for bending and extending the arm. Olecranon fractures vary in complexity. They can be simple, with no displacement of bone fragments, or complex, with damage to the articular surface of the ulna and displacement of fragments by triceps traction. Such fractures cause a loss of extension in the elbow joint, resulting from the disruption of the triceps' connection with the forearm.
Olecranon fractures are diagnosed using dual-projection X-rays, ensuring an accurate determination of the nature of the injury. Complex splinter fractures may require a computed tomography (CT) scan, to obtain a detailed assessment of the condition of the bony structures and choose the optimal treatment strategy.
Causes
Fall on a half-bent arm
Direct blow to olecranon
Overextending the elbow
Symptoms:
Acute elbow joint pain
Edema and subcutaneous hematoma (bruise) on the back side of the elbow
Impaired elbow joint mobility
In some cases, it’s possible to palpate (feel) displaced bone fragments under the skin
Лечение
Nonsurgical treatment
This approach is suitable for olecranon fractures without displacement, as well as in cases of severe general condition of the patient when surgery is contraindicated. This involves securing the affected limb in a plaster or polymer cast, applied from the hand to the upper third of the shoulder, for 4-6 weeks. In some cases, a hinged orthosis may be used to limit the range of motion at the elbow joint. After the immobilization period is over, the patient should begin rehabilitation immediately. This helps restore elbow joint mobility and prevents contractures.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of displaced fractures, the need for early rehabilitation and limb function recovery (e.g., athletes or patients with multiple fractures in different areas), and open fractures. Since any olecranon fracture is intra-articular, surgical intervention is performed based on the following principles: precise restoration of the articular surface (anatomical repositioning), secure fixation, and establishing conditions for early rehabilitation. The most common surgical treatment is Weber osteosynthesis using wires and loops. This is used for simple (bifragmentary, transverse) fractures. Our clinic uses CT to assess fractures, which means we often see multifragmentary fractures and articular surface indentations that aren't always visible on X-rays. This means Weber osteosynthesis isn't as common, and osteosynthesis using locked plates is preferred.
Schedule a visit to the clinic
How to reach
Moscow, 1st Yamskogo Polya Street, 15
Mon–Sun Around the clock
+7 495 255-50-03
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Zamoskvoretskaya line - exit 4 After exiting the subway, walk through the pedestrian tunnel and climb the stairs. Move towards the railway tracks, go down the stairs immediately after them and walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS.
Travel time
9 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Ring line - exit 2. After exiting the subway, turn left and walk to the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road through two pedestrian crossings and move along the Tverskoy overpass. Go down the stairs immediately after the railway tracks, walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS
Travel time
11 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign