Olecranon Fractures

Background

Occurs in both children and adults

Classification

Colton's classification:

• Undisplaced and stable
• Displaced fractures
  • A - Avulsion fracture (most common in the elderly)
  • B - Transverse fracture
  • C - Comminuted fracture (direct trauma)
  • D - Fracture-dislocation (usually secondary to severe injury)

Undisplaced fractures must meet the following criteria:

• Patient able to extend the elbow actively against gravity
• Displacement < 2mm
• No increase in this minimal degree of separation with flexion of the elbow to 90 degrees

NB – All the above findings indicate the presence of an intact triceps mechanism.

X-ray showing displaced fracture of the olecrano n