Nondisplaced fractures can be treated with a short period of immobilization followed by gradually increasing range of motion. Olecranon fractures tend to be associated with a more complex type of elbow injury. Contraindications: Infection … Whether your treatment is surgical or nonsurgical, full recovery from an olecranon fracture requires a good effort at rehabilitation. For this reason, you may need a … Most patients will return to normal activities within 4-6 months, although full healing can take more than a year. Open reduction and internal fixation … Some olecranon fractures require just a splint or sling to hold the elbow in place during the healing process. Because of the increased risk of infection, open fractures are scheduled for surgery as soon as possible, usually within hours. If the fracture shifts in position during this time, you may need surgery to put the bones back together. Many patients find that using ice, elevation (holding their arm up above their heart), and simple, non-prescription medications for pain relief are all that are needed to relieve pain. (Left) A single screw, placed into the center of the bone, may be used to keep the fractured bones together. When the bone fragments are out of position or the triceps muscle has become detached, then surgery is generally prescribed as treatment. What is the treatment for olecranon fracture? If there are changes in surgeries or other scheduled appointments, your provider will notify you. Infections can also slow or prevent healing. If you have had an elbow replacement, you will have permanent restrictions on how you can use your arm. Early motion begins immediately following surgery and usually is assisted by occupational therapy or physical therapy. Patients are given IV antibiotics in the emergency room, and may receive a tetanus shot. During surgery, the cuts from the injury and the surfaces of the broken bone are thoroughly cleaned out. Nondisplaced fractures in which the elbow extensor mechanism is intact may be treated nonoperatively. Even once the fracture is healed, it might not be possible to have full range of motion in the elbow. (Right) Plate(s) and screws may be used to hold the broken bones in place. The olecranon is a bony prominence of the ulna that represents that bone’s most proximal posterior surface at the elbow. Restrictions. BMC is seeing patients at our hospital and clinics—see how we’re keeping everyone safe. For example, you will not be allowed to lift, push, or pull anything that weighs more than 5 pounds with your injured arm for the rest of your life. Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapists to hasten healing and speed recovery in patients with an olecranon fracture include: Slings; Ice Packs and Heat Packs; Resistance Band (for strengthening exercises under physiotherapy guidance) Not all olecranon fractures require surgery. Olecranon fractures are typically caused by a direct blow to the elbow, but an avulsion fracture can also be caused with excessive triceps contraction. The goals of olecranon fracture treatment include anatomic reconstruction of the articular surface, preservation of motor power, restoration of stability, prevention of joint stiffness, and minimization of morbidity. Nonoperative Treatment. While the olecranon is an attachment site for several muscle groups including the flexor carpi ulnaris and anconeus, the major muscle attachment is that of the triceps. This type of fracture is often caused by a direct blow to the elbow His radiographs show a comminuted displaced olecranon fracture involving 25% of the articular surface with global osteopenia. The physiotherapist advised to stop anything other than merely the stretches for another 10 days. Precautions: • Aggressive elbow flexion ROM for 4-6 weeks • Biceps strengthening for 6 weeks • Closed kinetic chain exercises for 6-8 weeks I. However, you may be restricted from lifting, pushing, or pulling activities (including opening or closing doors) with your injured arm for 6 to 12 weeks. The olecranon is … Post-Operative Rehabilitation Protocol Following Olecranon ORIF . Many patients find that using ice, elevation (holding their arm up above their heart), and simple, non-prescription medications for pain relief are all that are needed to relieve pain. In pitching, this usually means too much throwing (too many times per week, too many innings, or too many consecutive seasons) without enough time for the elbow to rest. Bone graft can be taken from a donor (allograft) or from another bone in your own body (autograft)—most often the hip. The latter is mostly secondary to landing on an outstretched arm. If these intra-articular fractures are not repaired anatomically, posttraumatic arthritis will develop. Due to the dislocating force of the triceps muscle, internal fixation is the treatment of choice. The olecranon is the region of the proximal ulna from its tip to the coronoid process. Nonoperative Treatment. He has pain and swelling at the elbow without evidence of instability. There are risks associated with all surgery. Olecranon Fractures: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation James A. Goulet Kagan Ozer INTRODUCTION Fractures of the olecranon constitute approximately 10% of fractures that occur about the elbow. 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