This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Fracture (olecranon)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The olecranon is relatively easily fractured as the lower end of the humerus functions as a chisel. Most fractures are avulsion fractures caused by triceps contraction.

Two types of fracture of the olecranon are encountered:

  • comminuted - from a direct blow to the olecranon
  • transverse - from a traction lesion as the patient falls on the hand with the triceps contracted

On examination, the patient is unable to extend the elbow against resistance. Additionally:

  • a comminuted fracture may be grazed or bruised over the elbow
  • a transverse fracture may demonstrate a palpable gap

Left untreated, the fragments separate widely and non-union results.


Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.