Olecranon Fractures

Tyler J Brolin; Thomas Throckmorton

doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2015.07.003

Olecranon Fractures

Hand Clin. 2015 Nov;31(4):581-90. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2015.07.003. Epub 2015 Sep 3.

Authors

Tyler J Brolin¹, Thomas Throckmorton²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic, 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 510, Memphis, TN 38104, USA.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic, 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 510, Memphis, TN 38104, USA. Electronic address: tthrockmorton@campbellclinic.com.

PMID: 26498547
DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2015.07.003

Abstract

Olecranon fractures are common upper extremity injuries, with all but nondisplaced fractures treated surgically. There has been a recent shift in the surgical management of these fractures from tension band wiring to locking plate fixation and intramedullary nailing; however, this comes with increased implant cost. Although most patients can expect good outcomes after these various techniques, there is little information to guide a surgeon's treatment plan. This article reviews the epidemiology, classification, treatment, and outcomes of olecranon fractures.

Keywords: Intramedullary nail; Locking plate; Olecranon fracture; Outcomes; Review; Tension band.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Elbow Injuries*
Elbow Joint / surgery*
Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
Fractures, Comminuted / classification
Fractures, Comminuted / surgery
Humans
Postoperative Care
Postoperative Complications
Ulna Fractures / classification
Ulna Fractures / surgery*