Olecranon Fracture (elbow)

On this page

• What has happened?
• What should I expect?
• What should I do?
• What should I not do?
• Will I be followed up?
• What if I have concerns/questions?

What has happened?

• You have broken a bone in your elbow
• This is a relatively common fracture and it usually does not require surgery

What should I expect?

• You will have been placed in a cast in the Emergency Department (ED), and given a sling for comfort
• After your initial follow-up appointment your cast will be removed and you will be placed in either an arm brace with limited movement or a sling for a further 3-4 weeks
• Your elbow will feel sore and swollen, and you may develop bruising down your arm and into your fingers

What should I do?

• Take regular pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) as needed
• Keep your shoulder, wrist, and fingers moving as often as you can
• Keep your plaster cast dry at all times by putting a plastic bag over your cast and securing it with tape before showering. A wet cast will get soggy and fall apart
• You may find it more comfortable while sitting or sleeping to prop up your arm on 1-2 pillows
• Gentle elbow movements may be started after 1-2 weeks

What should I not do?

• Avoid heavy lifting while injured
• You may be unable to drive at this time
• Try to reduce or stop smoking as this may delay bone healing

Will I be followed up?

• Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave the Emergency Department (ED) and you will be contacted about a date and time

What if I have concerns/questions?

• If your injury is not settling or you have other concerns, you should first see your GP - take your ACC form/number with you
• Please seek medical attention if you have:
  • increasing pain in the hand
  • numbness or tingling in the hand
  • fingers going cold or turning blue-white, in comparison to the other hand
  • no ability to move your fingers