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Published on: July 8, 2025
Olecranon fractures in 26 children with mean follow-up of 59 months
P H Gicquel1, B De Billy, C S Karger
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hautepierre Hospital, University of Strasbourg, France.
Insights
Pediatric olecranon fractures treated conservatively or surgically showed good clinical outcomes, but residual displacement impacted radiologic results. Associated radial head fractures in surgically treated children may lead to growth disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric traumatology
- Musculoskeletal imaging
Background:
- Olecranon fractures are uncommon in children.
- Understanding treatment outcomes and long-term sequelae is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of pediatric olecranon fractures.
- To identify factors influencing outcomes and potential complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 26 children with olecranon fractures.
- Mean follow-up of 59 months.
- Analysis of fracture patterns, treatment modalities, and clinical/radiologic results.
Main Results:
- Direct trauma was the most common cause.
- One-third of cases had associated radial head fractures.
- Conservative treatment for non-displaced fractures, surgical for displaced fractures.
- Good clinical results but less satisfying radiologic outcomes due to residual displacement.
- No functional impairment at final follow-up.
- Three surgically treated patients with radial head fractures developed growth disturbances.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric olecranon fractures generally have favorable clinical outcomes.
- Residual radiologic displacement can occur despite good function.
- Associated radial head fractures pose a risk for growth disturbance after surgical intervention.
Abstract:
The authors report clinical and radiologic results of a series of 26 children who sustained an olecranon fracture, reviewed with a mean follow-up of 59 months. Mean age at time of trauma was 9 years. Direct trauma was the most common mechanism, and a radial head fracture was associated in one third of the cases. The fracture type usually consisted of a single fracture line, with a displacement >2 mm in one third of the cases. Treatment was usually conservative for nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures, whereas open reduction with tension-wire pinning was proposed for displaced fractures. Clinical results were good, but radiologic results were less satisfying because of residual displacement on postoperative reviews. There was no functional impairment at final follow-up. Three patients from the surgically treated group with associated radial head fractures demonstrated a growth disturbance, possibly related to an ischemic cause.
