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Fractures of the olecranon in children: long-term follow-up
1University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Memphis.
Insights
Pediatric olecranon fractures are uncommon. Most cases, especially undisplaced ones, achieve excellent outcomes with non-surgical treatment, though some displaced fractures may require intervention.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Traumatology
Background:
- Olecranon fractures are rare in pediatric populations.
- Nondisplaced or minimally displaced olecranon fractures often respond well to conservative management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes of pediatric olecranon fractures over a 30-year period.
- To compare the results of closed treatment for displaced versus undisplaced olecranon fractures in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 44 pediatric olecranon fractures treated over 30 years.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes based on fracture displacement and treatment modality.
- Assessment of functional results and complications in patients with adequate follow-up.
Main Results:
- Overall, 90% of 41 adequately followed fractures had satisfactory results.
- Undisplaced or minimally displaced (< 5 mm) fractures (30 cases) showed a 93% satisfactory outcome rate.
- Displaced fractures (9 cases) had a satisfactory outcome in 78% of instances.
Conclusions:
- Closed treatment is highly effective for most pediatric olecranon fractures, particularly nondisplaced types.
- While loss of motion is the most frequent complication, it typically does not impede overall good function.
- Surgical intervention may be considered for displaced fractures, but conservative methods yield favorable results in the majority of pediatric olecranon injuries.
Abstract:
Olecranon fractures are relatively uncommon in children, and most are nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures that can be treated by closed methods. During a 30-year period, 44 olecranon fractures were treated. Of 41 fractures with adequate follow-up, 37 (90%) had satisfactory results. Of 30 undisplaced or minimally displaced (< 5 mm) fractures, 28 (93%) had satisfactory results. Seven of 9 (78%) displaced fractures had satisfactory results. The most common cause of unsatisfactory results was loss of motion, although this usually did not prevent good function.