Olecranon fracture

HPI: Young male otherwise healthy presenting today status post fall.  Right hand dominant.  Patient fell awkwardly with his arm slightly outstretched backwards off a trampoline and landed with his left arm under him. Patient had isolated pain at his left elbow.  Ambulatory.  No head injury or LOC.  

Physical Exam: Mild swelling present at the left elbow region with tenderness at the olecranon.  Patient had limited range of motion at the elbow secondary to pain.  Radial pulses strong and equal bilaterally.  Able to give thumbs up, cross fingers, and make okay signs bilaterally.  No neurologic deficits in median, radial or ulnar nerve distributions.

Radiograph:

Management:

• Long arm cast placed for neurovascularly intact nondisplaced olecranon fracture
• Will keep on for 3 weeks with follow up at that time with orthopedics

Discussion

• Usually occurs with landing on an outstretched hand or direct elbow trauma
• If there is no/minimal displacement, can place in long arm cast or splint and follow up in 3 weeks.
• If fracture is displaced, ORIF would be indicated.
• As with other extremity fractures, make sure to rule out compartment syndrome