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Trauma
intermediate
X-Type

Olecranon Fractures

Elbow Trauma

A 58-year-old woman falls directly onto her elbow. She presents with elbow swelling, inability to extend against gravity, and a palpable gap over the olecranon. Radiograph shows a transverse olecranon fracture with 5mm displacement. The coronoid process and radial head appear intact. She has good bone quality and is functionally active. Regarding olecranon fractures:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Olecranon fractures account for approximately 10% of elbow fractures; mechanisms include direct blow...

B

The Mayo classification considers displacement, stability, and comminution: Type I (nondisplaced), T...

C

All olecranon fractures can be treated nonoperatively; tension band wiring is contraindicated for si...

D

Tension band wiring converts tensile forces to compressive forces across the fracture; it requires a...

E

Plate fixation (pre-contoured locking plates) is indicated for comminuted fractures, osteoporotic bo...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option