What is Olecranon Fracture

Olecranon fracture is a break in one of the bones of your elbow. Three bones make up your elbow. These include the two bones of your lower arm (ulna and radius) and the single bone of your upper arm (humerus).

The tip of your elbow (olecranon) is part of your ulna. You can feel this hard tip when you bend your elbow. It is easily injured because it has very little padding over it.

What are the causes?

Olecranon fractures commonly occur after falling on a hard surface with a bent elbow. Other causes include:

• A forceful hit (blow) to the elbow.
• A motor vehicle collision.
• Falling onto an outstretched arm.
• A forceful twist to the elbow.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to occur in people:

• Who participate in contact sports or sports in which falls on hard surfaces are common.
• Who are older. This is when falls are more common.
• Who have thin or weak bones.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Severe pain, especially when you try to move your elbow.
• Swelling.
• Bruising.
• Stiffness.
• Pain or tenderness in your elbow when it is touched.
• Numbness in your fingers.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on a physical exam and X-rays.

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Many fractures can be treated without surgery. Treatment may include:

• Pain medicine.
• Icing the injury to reduce swelling.
• Keeping the elbow still with a cast, splint, or sling.
• Physical therapy to restore movement.

If the elbow is not stable or if bones are out of place, you may need surgery. You may have pins, wires, screws, or plates inserted into the broken bone. Then, you will need to wear a splint, cast, or sling and have physical therapy to restore movement.

Follow these instructions at home:

If you have a splint or sling:

• Wear the splint or sling as told by your health care provider. Remove it only as told by your health care provider.
• Loosen the splint or sling if your fingers tingle, become numb, or turn cold and blue.
• Do not let your splint or sling get wet if it is not waterproof.
• Keep the splint or sling clean.

If you have a cast:

• Do not stick anything inside the cast to scratch your skin. Doing that increases your risk of infection.
• Check the skin around the cast every day. Tell your health care provider about any concerns.
• You may put lotion on dry skin around the edges of the cast. Do not put lotion on the skin underneath the cast.
• Do not let your cast get wet if it is not waterproof.
• Keep the cast clean.

Driving

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• Ask your health care provider when it is safe to drive if you have a cast, splint, or sling on your injured arm.

Bathing

• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you can take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths for bathing.
• If your cast, splint, or sling is not waterproof, cover it with a watertight plastic bag when you take a bath or a shower.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If directed, apply ice to the injured area.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Move your fingers often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

Activity

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you. You may not be able to lift anything with your arm for several weeks.
• Do exercises as told by your health care provider or physical therapist.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not put pressure on any part of the cast or splint until it is fully hardened. This may take several hours.
• Do not use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Tobacco can delay bone healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have pain that gets worse.
• Your hand and fingers swell.
• Your cast or splint becomes loose or damaged.

Get help right away if:

• You lose feeling in your hand or fingers.
• Your hand or fingers get cold or turn pale or blue.