Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Oct 2002
Fractures of the olecranon: a 15- to 25-year followup of 73 patients.
The incidence of olecranon fractures in adults and the long-term outcome of closed olecranon fractures in 45 women and 28 men (mean age, 54 and 36 years at the time of fracture, respectively), were examined at a mean of 19 years after the fracture. The uninjured elbows served as controls. Thirteen percent of the original fractures were displaced less than 2 mm, 65% more than 2 mm, and 22% were multifragmental. ⋯ Radiographic signs of degenerative changes were found in more than 50% of the formerly fractured elbows, which was more than in the uninjured (11%). Radiographic signs of osteoarthritis were found in 6% of the formerly fractured elbows versus zero percent in the uninjured, of which only two patients had a poor outcome. Isolated, closed fractures of the olecranon in adults have a favorable, long-term outcome.