Olecranon Fracture

Aetiology

• Common injury from falling onto the elbow

Pathophysiology

• The olecranon is the site of insertion of the triceps tendon - responsible for extension of the elbow

Clinical presentation

Symptoms

• Pain well localised to posterior elbow

Signs

• Palpable defect indicates displaced fracture/severe comminution

• Inability to extend elbow indicates discontinuity of triceps mechanism

Investigations

• X-ray - AP and lateral

• CT if needed for pre-op planning

Management

• Conservative - cast

• Operative - tension band wiring, ORIF plate fixation