An olecranon fracture is a break at the elbow tip, which is part of the ulna.

It usually happens from a hit to the elbow or falling on an outstretched arm.

Signs include pain, swelling, bruises, a visible deformity, and trouble straightening the elbow.

An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis, and sometimes a CT scan is used for more complex cases.

Surgery is often needed to fix the bones, especially for broken ones, but some stable fractures can heal without surgery.

Surgical options include tension band wiring, plates, or sometimes intramedullary nails.

Non-surgical treatment includes using a splint or cast to keep the elbow still while it heals.

Bone healing can take 6 to 8 weeks, but full recovery may take a few months.

Some movement may be allowed under supervision to avoid stiffness, particularly after surgery.

Yes, physical therapy is usually needed to regain motion and strength.

Straightening the arm might be hard or hurt at first, but it usually gets better with treatment.

Possible complications include stiffness, irritation from hardware, nerve issues, or the fracture not healing.

Immobilization keeps the bones aligned and stable while healing, especially for fractures that are not moved.

You can return to sports after healing, but it should be done slowly with medical advice.

Sometimes, hardware may need to be taken out if it bothers you, which can be done through a small surgery.

Pain can be managed using prescribed pain medicines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Some numbness may occur, especially near the ulnar nerve; a doctor should check it.

Usually, driving isn’t safe until your arm can function well again.

Early physical therapy and specific exercises from a healthcare provider are very important.

General or regional anesthesia is often used for the procedure.

Yes, follow-up X-rays are necessary to check proper healing and hardware stability.

Depending on the job, light work may be possible, but many will need to adjust activities while healing.

If healing is slow or doesn't happen, more help like surgery might be needed.

You can reduce swelling by raising your arm, applying ice, and take anti-inflammatory meds as prescribed.

Don't lift heavy things or stress the elbow until a doctor gives approval.

Range-of-motion exercises, strength exercises, and activities recommended by a therapist can help.

Smoking can slow bone healing and raise the risk of issues, so quitting is recommended.

Yes, stiffness may happen but usually gets better with rehab and time.

Eat balanced meals, avoid smoking, and control health conditions for better healing.

It is a surgery method using wires and pins to fix bone pieces together for healing.

Yes, diabetes can make healing harder and increase infection risk, so careful management is needed.

It helps improve movement, lessen stiffness, and rebuild strength and function in the arm.

If the joint is involved in the fracture, there can be a higher risk of post-traumatic arthritis.

Increased pain, swelling, fever, or sensation changes should be checked by a doctor.

Nonunion can occur, especially if the bone lacks enough stability or blood supply.

Rehab includes exercises to help restore movement, strength, and return to usual activities.

Get enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein for healthy bones.

ORIF means surgically realigning bones and securing them with plates and screws.

Use a waterproof cover or keep it dry to avoid problems with the cast or splint.

Hardware irritation can happen if screws or wires push on soft tissue; removal may be needed.

Only start weightlifting again once fully healed and approved by your healthcare provider.

Driving can resume after regaining enough arm control and function, as advised by a doctor.

Older individuals may heal slower and need more focused rehab.

Another surgery may be needed for complications or hardware issues, but it's not common.

Gradually resume activities; avoid intense exercises until cleared by your doctor.

Follow your doctor's pre-surgery directions, including fasting and managing meds.

Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and bone repair, which is vital for healing.

Look for more redness, swelling, heat, and drainage from the surgical site. site.

Reducing use helps healing; talk to your healthcare provider for detailed advice.

Get help right away for intense pain, trouble moving the arm, or symptoms of infection such as fever and redness.