Fracture Care · Elbow, forearm & wrist
Olecranon fracture
Olecranon Fracture (Broken Tip of the Elbow) — Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
The condition
The olecranon is the bony tip of the elbow, part of the forearm bone (ulna). The triceps muscle attaches to it to straighten the elbow. It usually breaks in a fall directly onto the elbow. When the pieces pull apart, you cannot straighten the elbow against gravity, and the joint surface can heal unevenly.
The surgery
This is a typically outpatient surgery through an incision at the back of the elbow. The pieces are put back together and held with a plate and screws, or with pins and a wire loop, depending on the fracture. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Splint
- Splint and elevation for 10–14 days. Shoulder, wrist, and finger motion start right away.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. Lift only 1 lb, with no pushing up from a chair or bed, for 6 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Motion & lifting
- Elbow bending and gravity-assisted straightening from 2 weeks. Lifting up to 5 lb from 6 weeks; weight through the arm from 8 weeks; push-ups from 10 weeks.
- Activity
- Full release typically 3–4 months, once healed and strength is close to the other side.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Restoring the bone lets you straighten the elbow with strength again and lowers the risk of arthritis. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, hardware irritation at the elbow tip (common; often removed later), elbow stiffness, the bone healing slowly or not at all, ulnar nerve irritation (numbness in the ring and small fingers), injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery