An olecranon (oh-LEK-rah-nun) fracture is a break in the bony "tip" of the elbow. This pointy segment of bone is part of the ulna, one of the three bones that come together to form the elbow joint.
How is an olecranon fracture treated without surgery?
While you are in the emergency room, your doctor will apply a splint (like a cast) to your elbow and give you a sling to help keep your elbow in position. Immediate treatment may also include:
- Applying ice to reduce pain and swelling
- Medications to relieve pain
If the pieces of bone are not out of place, a fracture can sometimes be treated with a splint to hold the elbow in place while it heals. During the healing process, your doctor will take frequent x-rays to make sure the bone has not shifted out of place.
Splints are typically worn for 6 weeks before gentle motion is started. If the fracture shifts in position during this time, you may need surgery to put the bones back together.
How is an olecranon fracture treated with surgery?
Surgery is usually required for olecranon fractures in which:
- The bones have moved out of place (displaced fracture)
- Pieces of bone have punctured the skin (open fracture)
Surgery for olecranon fractures typically involves putting the broken pieces of bone back into position and preventing them from moving out of place until they are healed.
Because of the increased risk of infection, open fractures are scheduled for surgery as soon as possible, usually within hours. Patients are given IV antibiotics in the emergency room, and may receive a tetanus shot. During surgery, the cuts from the injury and the surfaces of the broken bone are thoroughly cleaned out. The bone will typically be repaired during the same surgery.
Surgical Procedures
Open reduction and internal fixation.
(Left) A single screw, placed into the center of the bone, may be used to keep the fractured bones together. (Right) Plate(s) and screws may be used to hold the broken bones in place.
This is the procedure most often used to treat olecranon fractures. During the procedure, the bone fragments are first repositioned into their normal alignment. The pieces of bone are then held in place with screws, wires, pins, or metal plates attached to the outside of the bone.
Bone graft.
If some of the bone has been lost through the wound or is crushed, the fracture may require bone graft to fill the gaps. Bone graft can be taken from a donor (allograft) or from another bone in your own body (autograft)—most often the hip. In some cases, an artificial material can be used.
Removal of the fracture fragment.
If the broken bone fragment is too small to repair, it is sometimes removed. When this is done, the triceps tendon, which is attached to the fragment, is reattached to the remaining portion of the ulna.
What are some possible complications of olecranon surgery?
There are risks associated with all surgery. If your doctor recommends surgery, he or she thinks that the possible benefits outweigh the risks.
Infection. There is a risk of infection with any surgery. Your doctor will take specific measures to help prevent infection.
Hardware irritation. A small percentage of patients may experience irritation from the metal implants used to repair the fracture.
Damage to nerves and blood vessels. There is a low risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels around the elbow.
Nonunion. Sometimes, a fracture does not heal. The fracture may pull apart and the screws, plates, or wires may shift or break. This can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- The patient does not follow directions after surgery.
- The patient has a health problem, such as diabetes, that slows healing. Smoking or using other tobacco products also slows healing.
- If the fracture was associated with a cut in the skin (open fracture), healing is often slower.
- Infections can also slow or prevent healing.
If the fracture does not heal, further surgery may be needed.
What is recovery like after an olecranon fracture?
Pain Management
Most fractures hurt moderately for a few days to a couple of weeks. Many patients find that using ice, elevation (holding their arm up above their heart), and simple, non-prescription medications for pain relief are all that are needed to relieve pain.
If your pain is severe, your doctor may suggest a prescription-strength medication for a few days.
Be aware that, although opioids help relieve pain after surgery, opioid dependency and overdose has become a critical public health issue. For this reason, opioids are typically prescribed for a short period of time. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor. As soon as your pain begins to improve, stop taking opioids.
Rehabilitation
Whether your treatment is surgical or nonsurgical, recovery from a olecranon fracture requires much work.
Without Surgery
Because nonsurgical treatment can sometimes require long periods of splinting or casting, your elbow may become very stiff. For this reason, you may need a longer period of physical therapy.
During rehabilitation, your doctor or a physical therapist will provide you with exercises to help:
- Improve range of motion
- Decrease stiffness
- Strengthen the muscles within the elbow
You will not be allowed to lift, push, or pull anything with your injured arm for a period of time. Your doctor will talk with you about specific restrictions.
With Surgery
Depending on the complexity of the fracture and the stability of the repair, your elbow may be splinted or casted for a period of time after surgery.
- Physical therapy. Most patients will begin exercises to improve elbow and forearm motion shortly after surgery, sometimes as early as the next day. It is extremely important to perform the exercises as often as directed. The exercises will only work if they are done as directed.
- Restrictions. Depending upon the severity of your fracture, your doctor may allow you to use your arm to feed, bath, and dress yourself. However, you may be restricted from lifting, pushing, or pulling activities (including opening or closing doors) with your injured arm for 6 to 12 weeks.
- If you have had an elbow replacement, you will have permanent restrictions on how you can use your arm. For example, you will not be allowed to lift, push, or pull anything that weighs more than 5 pounds with your injured arm for the rest of your life. Before leaving the hospital, it is important to have a clear understanding of the restrictions regarding using your arm.
- Your doctor will also let you know when it is safe for you to drive a car.