ORIF Surgery for Olecranon Fracture Repair and Elbow Function Restoration
To help you discuss ORIF surgery as a treatment option for your olecranon injury with your orthopedic surgeon, here 's a breakdown of this surgical procedure.
What Is an Olecranon Fracture?
Olecranon fractures occur when there 's a break in the bony tip of the elbow that sticks out when the arm moves. A fracture of the olecranon bone can be extremely painful, and make motion of the elbow difficult or impossible. This kind of fracture is common and normally happens in isolation (with no other injuries involved).
Olecranon fractures may be caused by:
- A direct hit or blow to the elbow joint
- Falling on an outstretched arm
- High-impact collision, such as a motor vehicle accident
- Contact sports, such as football
- Fall from a height
Signs and symptoms of olecranon fractures may include:
- Instability feeling in the joint
- Numbness in one or more fingers
- Pain with movement of the elbow
- Tenderness to touch
- Swelling over the elbow
- Bruising around the elbow
What Are the Treatment Options for Olecranon Fractures?
There are both non-surgical and surgical approaches for olecranon fractures, depending on the type and severity of the fracture.
Non-surgical approaches typically involve splinting the elbow and placing the arm in a sling for up to six weeks to immobilize the bones and allow healing. Treatment also involves applying ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure for treating fractures that are too severe for more conservative methods.
What Happens Before ORIF of the Olecranon?
Prior to ORIF of the Olecranon, the orthopedic surgeon may perform the following steps:
- Physical exam to inspect blood circulation and nerves affected by the fracture
- X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to assess surrounding structures and broken bones
- Blood tests
- Depending on the type of fracture, the patient may be given a tetanus shot
- A discussion with the orthopedic surgeon about what the medications, supplements, foods and beverages to avoid
How Is ORIF of the Olecranon Performed?
In the case of severe injury, the orthopedic surgeon performs an ORIF of the Olecranon according to the following procedure:
- Make an incision around the elbow muscles.
- Locate the fracture by carefully sliding in between the muscles of the elbow.
- Clean the cuts from the injury and surfaces of the fractured bone.
- Reposition (reduce) the bone fragments back to their normal alignment.
- Hold the fragments of bone in place using wires, screws, pins, or metal plates attached to the outside of the bone.
- Secure the bone, and close the incision with sutures or staples, and cover it with sterile dressings.
What Happens After ORIF of the Olecranon?
Following ORIF of the Olecranon, the orthopedic surgeon will provide the patient with the following post-operative guidelines:
- Take pain medication as needed
- Keep your arm in a cast or a splint for several weeks to allow bone healing.
- Follow instructions on dressings and incision care, as well as arm care, like application of ice for comfort.
- Participate in physical therapy to prevent arm stiffness, strengthen muscles, and restore range of motion.
- Follow a healthy diet and take supplements high in vitamin D and calcium to promote bone healing.
- Go to scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress, and remove staples or stitches, if necessary.
What Are the Risks and Complications of ORIF of the Olecranon?
As with any surgery, some of the potential risks and complications of ORIF of the olecranon fractures may include bleeding, infection, pain, swelling, and damage to the bones or surrounding soft tissues.
In the case of severe fractures to the olecranon in the elbow, seconds count and experience matters. You can be confident our team will perform ORIF to the highest possible standards.
Cirugía ORIF para Reparación de Fractura de Olécranon y Restauración de Función del Codo
Para ayudar a discutir la cirugía ORIF como opción de tratamiento para su lesión de olécranon con su cirujano ortopédico, aquí hay un desglose del procedimiento quirúrgico.
¿Qué es una Fractura de Olécranon?
Ocurre cuando hay una ruptura en la punta ósea del codo que sobresale al mover el brazo. Puede ser extremadamente dolorosa y dificultar o impedir el movimiento del codo. Generalmente ocurre de manera aislada.
Causas
- Golpe directo en el codo
- Caída sobre un brazo extendido
- Colisión de alto impacto
- Deportes de contacto
- Caída desde altura
Signos y síntomas
- Sensación de inestabilidad
- Entumecimiento en uno o más dedos
- Dolor con movimiento
- Sensibilidad al tacto
- Hinchazón
- Hematomas
Opciones de Tratamiento
No quirúrgico: férula y cabestrillo hasta seis semanas, hielo para reducir hinchazón y dolor.
Quirúrgico: ORIF para fracturas severas.
Antes de ORIF
- Examen físico
- Radiografía, tomografía o MRI
- Análisis de sangre
- Vacuna antitetánica si no está al día
- Discusión sobre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos a evitar
Procedimiento ORIF
- Incisión alrededor de músculos del codo
- Localización de la fractura
- Limpieza de superficies fracturadas
- Reposición (reducción) de fragmentos
- Fijación con alambres, tornillos, pines o placas metálicas
- Cierre de incisión con suturas o grapas y cobertura estéril
Después de ORIF
- Manejo del dolor con medicación
- Mantener brazo en yeso o férula varias semanas
- Cuidado de incisión y aplicación de hielo
- Fisioterapia para prevenir rigidez, fortalecer músculos y restaurar movimiento
- Dieta y suplementos ricos en vitamina D y calcio
- Citas de seguimiento para retirar grapas o suturas
Riesgos y Complicaciones
- Sangrado
- Infección
- Dolor
- Hinchazón
- Daño a huesos o tejidos blandos
- La experiencia del equipo quirúrgico es crucial en fracturas severas del olécranon