Page 98 - Orthopedic Casting Manual

2.3.1 Fracture Type(s) cont ...

Olecranon Fractures
✓ Clinically Relevant Anatomy: the olecranon is par t of the proximal ulna,

for ming the bony prominence of the elbow. I t ser ves as the inser tion point for
the triceps brachii tendon and ar ticulates with the trochlea of the humerus.
✓ Epidemiological/Etiology/Mechanism of Injur y: Olecranon fractures are more

common in adul ts and account for approximately 10% of upper ex tremit y
fractures LHor neff & Kane, 2020M.
✓ Mechanism: Direct trauma (e.g., a fall onto the elbow) or indirect trauma

through triceps contraction during a fall.
✓ Clinical Characteristics/Presentation: Localized swelling and tender ness over

the olecranon ; inabilit y to actively ex tend the elbow due to triceps disruption;
Pain exacer bated by elbow movement.
✓ Fracture Diagnosis Process: Imaging: AP and lateral elbow radiographs

t ypically reveal the fracture and its displacement.
✓ Clinical Tests: Assessment of ulnar ner ve function due to its proximit y.
✓ Differential Diagnosis/Associated Injuries: Radial head fractures; Distal

humerus fractures; Elbow dislocations.
✓ Treatment/Management Considerations: Nondisplaced fractures: Long ar m

cast with the elbow at 45]90 degrees of flexion to avoid triceps tension;
Displaced fractures: Often require surgical fixation.