Olecranon fracture
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Olecranon fractures account for approximately 10% of all upper extremity fractures in adults.[1] These fractures are commonly classified with the Mayo system which breaks fractures down into three types with the further sub-typing of fractures using "A" and "B" nomenclature in which "A" refers to non-comminuted fractures and B" refers to the presence of communinution.
- Type I - Non-displaced
- Type II Displaced-Stable
- Type III Unstable or accompanying instability of the ulnohumeral joint
The most common type that is seen is the type II simple transverse fracture which accounts for greater than 85% of olecranon fractures. The incidence is 1.15 per 100,000 individuals.[2]
The mean age of patients sustaining such fractures is in the 50's with men typically being injured at younger ages than women. Furthermore, the most common associated injury is fracture of the ipsilateral proximal radius. [3]
References
- ↑ Baecher N, Edwards S. Olecranon fractures. J Hand Surg. 38A: 593-604, 2013.
- ↑ Catalano LW, Crivello K, Lafer MP, Chia B, Barron OA, Glickel SZ. Potential dangers of tension band wiring or olecranon fractures: An anatomic study. J Hand Surg. 36A: 1659-1662, 2011.
- ↑ Baecher N, Edwards S. Olecranon fractures. J Hand Surg. 38A: 593-604, 2013.