UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: What's the Diagnosis? Image by Dr.Heather Mezzadra

Posted: 2/17/2014 by Haney Mallemat, MD
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Question

44 year-old construction worker fell off a ladder and presents with elbow pain. What's the diagnosis and what is the most commonly associated nerve injury?

Answer

Olecranon fracture; the ulnar nerve is most commonly injured

Pearls for Olecranon Fracture

Typically occurs secondary to direct blow or fall on an outstretched hand
Patients present with a complaint of pain along the olecranon with an inability to extend the elbow
Ulnar nerve injury is common.
Non-displaced fractures are typically managed conservatively with placement in a long-arm posterior splint; elbow must be placed in flexion of 70° and forearm is neutral
Other types of olecranon injuries require surgical repair

References

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