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of the Adult's Elbow > Fracture of the Olecranon What is a Fracture of the Olecranon? The olecranon is that portion of the ulna (lower arm bone) that makes up the bony posterior surface or prominence of the elbow. Frequently the fracture will separate because of the pull of the triceps muscle of the arm, and a gap can be felt between the fractured ends. There are many different types of fractures:
Causes of a Fracture of the Olecranon? An olecranon fracture is usually the result of a fall onto the elbow. Because of its somewhat vulnerable position, the elbow can easily be fractured as the result of a direct blow, a fall onto a hard surface while the elbow is flexed, or during a fall onto an outstretched arm that also dislocates the elbow joint. To help prevent fractures, it is wise to learn how to brace yourself during a fall, to use care while exercising and walking, and to wear shoes that offer both good support and adequate traction. Protect the elbow with appropriate pads and protective gear during sports such as roller-blading and football. Symptoms of a Fracture of the Olecranon? If the elbow is broken you will experience pain, especially when you move your elbow. The injured site will be swollen. You will not be able to fully extend your elbow, and there will be pain when you move your hand. If the fracture is open (compound), there will be a break in the skin. If the elbow is also dislocated, or pulled away from the joint, it will appear to be deformed. Treatment of a Fracture of the Olecranon? As in the case of any suspected fracture, seek medical care immediately. Ice the injury to limit blood flow to the affected tissues, and try not to move the arm. Your doctor will examine the arm for neurovascular damage and ask for details about how the injury occurred. You will be tested for sensation over the tip of your little finger, thumb, and the back of the first web space of your hand. Inform your doctor about previous injuries to the arm, hand, or shoulder. X-rays will reveal details about the type of fracture you have. To treat the nondisplaced fracture, your doctor will align it in a healing position with a long splint holding the elbow in 90 degrees of flexion. If the fracture is displaced, complicated by dislocation or bone fragments, surgery is required. The bone will be secured internally with plates or a combination of wire and pins or screws. As with all fractures, appropriate analgesia and outpatient pain medication is prescribed. Follow-up x-rays 10 days after injury ensure that the fracture has not become displaced. To assure healing, follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. You will probably be asked to keep your arm elevated in order to reduce and control swelling. If possible, arrange your bed so that your upper body is elevated while you sleep. Eating highly nutritious foods promotes the healing process. You will be shown how to exercise your hand, using a rubber ball or commercially available hand exerciser for 10 minutes at least twice a day. Flexing and extending exercises for the wrist are also used to rehabilitate the arm. Once the splint is removed, range-of-motion exercises for the arm help prevent elbow stiffness. Complete healing may take weeks or even months, depending on the seriousness of the injury. The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a licensed physician. © 2000 DynoMed.com, LLC, Indianapolis, IN |