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Olecranon fracture

Case contributed by Matthew Tse
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall on elbow, pain

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Elbow radiographs

x-ray

Minimally displaced olecranon fracture. No dislocation.

Case Discussion

Olecranon fractures can be avulsion type injuries from triceps muscle traction, or be fractured from a direct blow. In both instances, there is likely to be a degree of distraction given the flexion action of triceps.

In this case, it is likely to be fracture from direct force as avulsion injuries tend to be smaller.

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