Olecranon Fractures

A Critical Analysis Review

Abstract

• » Olecranon fractures account for 10% of all elbow fractures and are more likely to result from a low-energy injury. A displaced fracture with a stable ulnohumeral joint (Mayo type 2) is the most common type of injury.
• » The management of an isolated olecranon fracture is based on patient factors (age, functional demand, and if medically fit to undergo surgery) and fracture characteristics including displacement, fragmentation, and elbow stability.
• » Nonoperative management can be successfully used in undisplaced fractures (Mayo type 1) and in displaced fractures (Mayo type 2) in frail patients with lower functional demands.
• » Patients with displaced olecranon fractures with a stable ulnohumeral joint without significant articular surface fragmentation (Mayo type 2A) can be managed with tension band wiring, plate osteosynthesis (PO), intramedullary fixation, or suture repair.
• » PO is advocated for multifragmentary fractures and fractures that are associated with ulnohumeral instability. It is essential to consider the variable anatomy of the proximal ulna during surgery.