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Home Health Information Health Topic Library Bones, Joints and Muscles
Broken Elbow (Olecranon Fracture)
 
A broken elbow, also called an olecranon fracture, is a break in the tip or head of the elbow joint. You may not be able to extend your forearm.

How does it occur?
An olecranon fracture usually results from a fall on the elbow.

There are many types of fractures:
  • Complete fracture: The broken bone is completely separated at the break.
  • Incomplete fracture: The broken bone is not completely separated at the break.
  • Comminuted fracture: There are more than two fragments of bone at the fracture.
  • Open fracture (compound): The fracture site is open to the air because one end of the bone has broken through the skin.
  • Closed fracture: Neither end of the broken bone has broken through the skin.
  • Impacted fracture: The broken ends are driven into each other.
  • Avulsion fracture: The breaking force has been applied in such a way that the muscle pulls a portion of the bone away from the site where it is normally attached.
  • Pathological fracture: The fracture occurs in a bone that is weakened or damaged by a disease.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
  • pain, especially when you move your elbow
  • swelling.

How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose an olecranon fracture, the doctor will examine you and ask about what happened when the injury occurred. He or she will order an x-ray to find out what kind of injury you have.

How is it treated?
You may need to have surgery. If necessary, your health care provider will use a pin or screw to secure the bone inside.

Your health care provider will put your arm in a splint or cast so you keep will it in one position while it heals. You will probably need to keep your arm in a sling.

How long will the effects last?
Complete healing may take weeks or months, depending on the seriousness of the injury.

How can I take care of myself?
Follow your provider's the instructions. In addition:
  • When sleeping, elevate your injured arm on pillows.
  • Elevate the injured arm to reduce swelling.
  • Eat highly nutritious foods to promote healing.

How can I prevent a broken elbow?
Many elbow injuries are caused by falls or blows that cannot be prevented. Be careful when walking or exercising.




  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

  HIA File BJM3165F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


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