Olecranon Fractures of the Elbow Treated in Arlington, VA
An olecranon fracture is a break or crack in the bony tip of the ulna, one of three bones that form the elbow joint. Because the olecranon is positioned directly under the skin, it does not have much cushioning from nearby soft tissues, and therefore can fracture easily with direct trauma. In addition to causing pain, swelling and bruising, this type of injury can make it difficult or impossible to move the elbow.
Olecranon fractures can vary widely in severity, and appropriate treatment is essential to ensure full and proper healing. If you’ve injured your elbow, you can receive personalized care from a specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons includes several elbow specialists who offer the latest treatment options for olecranon fractures.
How Are Olecranon Fractures Treated?
In an olecranon fracture, the bone may sustain only a hairline crack, it may break into two pieces or it could completely shatter. The broken pieces of bone may remain in alignment or shift far out of place (a displaced fracture). Additionally, a bone fragment may pierce the skin (an open fracture).
A relatively simple, nondisplaced and closed olecranon fracture may be treated with a splint, which can be worn to immobilize and protect the broken bone until it heals. During the healing process, X-rays will be taken periodically to confirm that the bones are fusing properly and have not shifted out of place.
A displaced or open olecranon fracture will likely require surgical treatment, such as an open reduction and internal fixation. During this procedure, the surgeon repositions (reduces) the bone fragments into their normal alignment, then secures them with screws, wires, pins or metal plates. If some of the bone was crushed or lost through the wound, a bone graft may be performed to fill the gap.
See an Elbow Specialist in Arlington
If you have questions about olecranon fractures or would like to consult with an elbow specialist, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment at our sports medicine center in Arlington, VA.