Olecranon Fractures (involving the elbow)

Olecranon fractures are breaks in the bony "tip" of the elbow. This pointy segment of bone is part of the ulna, one of the three bones that come together to form the elbow joint.

The olecranon is positioned directly under the skin of the elbow, without much protection from muscles or other soft tissues. As a result, it can break easily if you experience a direct blow to the elbow or fall on an outstretched arm. A fracture can be very painful and make elbow motion difficult or impossible.

Treatment for an olecranon fracture depends upon the severity of the injury. Some simple fractures can be treated by wearing a splint until the bone heals. In most olecranon fractures, however, the pieces of bone move out of place when the injury occurs, requiring surgery to restore both the normal anatomy of the elbow and motion in the joint.