Olecranon fractures in children

A series of 40 cases of fractures of the olecranon in children under the age of 11 years is presented. These fractures are commonest at 5 years of age and are almost twice as common in boys as in girls. The fracture is usually undisplaced and incomplete; fractures in the long axis of the ulna (the 'longitudinal split' fracture) are not uncommon in children. Associated injury of the proximal end of the radius is recognized. Only 2 cases were sufficiently displaced to require open reduction. Although immobilization in plaster with the elbow at 90 degree for a month is usually recommended, the results indicate that in the usual undisplaced and incomplete fracture, a period of 3 weeks in a sling may be all the treatment necessary.