Fractures of the olecranon during growth: a 15-25-year follow-up

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2002 Jul;11(3):251-5. doi: 10.1097/00009957-200207000-00010.

Abstract

Ten girls and 13 boys with mean age 11 years when sustaining a fracture of the olecranon were examined at a mean of 19 years after the injury. Ten fractures were displaced less than 2 mm, three 2-3 mm, eight more than 3 mm and two were multifragmental. The treatment consisted of mobilization in three cases, plaster treatment in nine and open reduction and internal fixation in 11 cases. At follow-up, 21 children had no subjective complaints while two had occasional mild pain. The upper arm circumference was thinner in the former injured extremities than in the uninjured (P<0.05). No other objective deficits were found. None had developed non-union or elbow osteoarthritis. Olecranon fractures during growth have an excellent long-term outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Elbow
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orthopedic Procedures
  • Radiography
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulna / growth & development
  • Ulna Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulna Fractures / epidemiology
  • Ulna Fractures / therapy*