Visual inspection reveals swelling, bruising, or a visible gap at the elbow
Palpation of the olecranon confirms tenderness or instability at the fracture site
Everything You Need to Know About an Olecranon Fracture
What is an Olecranon Fracture?
An olecranon fracture is a break in the bony tip of the elbow, known as the olecranon, which is part of the ulna (one of the forearm bones). This is the part of the elbow you feel when you lean on a table. When it fractures, it can cause pain, swelling, difficulty moving the elbow, and in some cases, a visible deformity.
An analogy…
Think of the olecranon like the hinge pin in a door, it’s the bit that helps the joint swing smoothly. If that pin breaks, the door can’t move properly. Similarly, if the olecranon fractures, the elbow loses its ability to extend or bend smoothly and painlessly.
What causes an olecranon fracture?
The olecranon is the pointy bone at the back of the elbow, where the triceps muscle attaches. It helps extend (straighten) the elbow. A fracture usually happens due to direct trauma, such as a fall onto the elbow, a blow from an object, or a fall onto an outstretched hand, where the force travels up the arm. Less commonly, it can occur from a sudden and strong contraction of the triceps, pulling the bone apart.
What are the signs and symptoms of an olecranon fracture?
- Sudden, sharp pain at the back of the elbow
- Swelling and bruising over the tip of the elbow
- Inability to straighten the elbow against resistance
- Tenderness or deformity at the point of the elbow
- A feeling of instability or weakness, especially during pushing movements
- In severe fractures, bone pieces may be felt or seen under the skin
What tests are used to diagnose an olecranon fracture?
How long does an olecranon fracture take to heal?
Recovery from an olecranon fracture depends on the severity and type of the fracture, as well as the chosen treatment method. For simple, non-displaced fractures that don’t require surgery, recovery typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks with immobilisation followed by rehabilitation. In cases where the fracture is displaced or more complex and requires surgical repair, recovery may take 3 to 6 months. This includes a structured rehabilitation program to restore elbow movement, strength, and overall function.
How does an olecranon fracture happen?
- Falling directly on the elbow
- Motor vehicle or bike accidents
- Direct trauma, such as being struck on the elbow
- Osteoporosis or weakened bones, increasing fracture risk
- Work or sport that involves high impact or risk of falling
What treatment can help an olecranon fracture?
- Immobilisation in a splint or cast for several weeks
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatories
- Regular follow-up X-rays to ensure healing progress
- Once cleared, a gradual rehab program begins to restore motion and strength
What exercises or stretches can I do for an olecranon fracture?
- Gentle elbow range of motion
- Wrist and shoulder mobility to avoid stiffness in nearby joints
- Isometric triceps and biceps activation
- Progressive resistance training once healing is solid
- Grip and forearm strengthening for full upper limb function
- Postural correction and ergonomic strategies to prevent overloading during recovery
What products can help with an olecranon fracture?
Elbow flexion (bicep curl) with weight
Start in a seated position.
Grasp the weight in one hand with the palm facing forwards and hold your arm straight down by your side.
Keeping your elbow to your side, bend your arm, bringing the weight towards your shoulder.
Control the movement as you lower the weight back down, and repeat.
Triceps extensions – supine with dumbbells
Lie on your back holding a weight in each hand.
Stretch your arms vertically up to the ceiling, keeping the elbows straight.
Bend the elbows, lowering the weights down towards your shoulders, maintaining a vertical in the upper arms.
Control the movement back up to the start position with your arms straight, and repeat.
Grip strength and manipulation with therapy putty
Hold therapy putty in your hand.
Knead the putty with large grasps.
Using one hand turn the putty over between every repetition to get a better grasp of the putty.
