Results of non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in over 75-year-olds

Abstract

Introduction: Surgery is the gold-standard treatment of displaced olecranon fracture, but is associated with numerous complications, especially in the elderly. Functional results of non-operative treatment in this population have never been analyzed in a prospective study.

Study hypothesis: Non-operative treatment of isolated olecranon fracture with stable elbow-joint in over 75-year-olds gives functional results comparable to those of surgery as reported in the literature, with fewer complications.

Material and methods: A prospective study analyzed functional results of non-operative treatment of isolated closed Mayo I and II olecranon fracture with stable elbow, in patients aged ≥75 years. The principal assessment criterion was functional recovery on the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and QuickDASH at 6 months.

Results: Twenty-two fractures in 21 patients were included. Mean MEPS was 95.26/100 (range, 85-100), and mean QuickDASH 4.3 (range, 0-29.55). Eighteen fractures showed osteoarthritis of the olecranon. There were no cases of elbow instability. There were no complications.

Discussion: Non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in patients aged ≥75 years provided excellent functional results at 6 months, without associated complications.

Type of study: Single-center prospective observation cohort study.

Level of evidence: 4.

Keywords: Elderly patient; Non-operative treatment; Olecranon fracture.