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Hand & Upper Limb
intermediate
X-Type

Olecranon Fracture Tension Band

Elbow Trauma

A 58-year-old woman falls directly onto her elbow. She presents with pain, swelling, and inability to extend her elbow against gravity. Examination reveals a palpable gap at the olecranon. Radiographs show a displaced transverse olecranon fracture with 8mm proximal displacement. The coronoid and radial head are intact with a stable ulnohumeral joint on stress examination. Regarding olecranon fractures:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Olecranon fractures commonly result from direct trauma (fall on elbow) or indirect mechanism (tricep...

B

The Mayo classification considers fracture displacement, ulnohumeral stability, and comminution: Typ...

C

The biceps tendon attaches to the olecranon; all olecranon fractures can be treated nonoperatively; ...

D

Tension band wiring (TBW) converts the tension force from triceps pull into compression across the a...

E

Plate fixation (precontoured locking plates) is preferred for comminuted fractures (Mayo IIB, IIIB),...

Answer the questions to see explanations

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