The Olecranon Spur Fracture and Its Healing In a Heavy Manual Labourer- A Case Report

Objective: Olecranon spur is common in males involved in heavy manual labour. The olecranon spur fracture is rarely reported in literature, and most would be associated with triceps tendon disruption. The presence of pseudoarthrosis is to be kept in mind which can mimick fracture. True fracture of the spur in isolation, without triceps tendon disruption is even rarer.

Case Report: A 40 year old manual labourer reported with persistent pain in his elbow for one week. The patient gave history of fall on the ground with elbow striking against a large stone one week back. Examination revealed normal elbow function without any defect in triceps tendon. A radiograph showed discontinuity at the base of olecranon spur. A repeat x-ray was taken a month later which showed the discontinuity filled with radioopacity indicating that it was a fracture rather than pseudoarthrosis.

Discussion: One must be aware of the presence of the narrow band at the base of the spur appearing in the manner of pseudoarthrosis. This should not be confused with the fracture of the olecranon spur which is a rare entity. Another point of concern in such cases is the disruption of the triceps tendon alongwith the olecranon spur avulsion. So, the patient should be carefully examined whenever a discontinuity is seen at the base of the olecranon spur.

Conclusion: A heavy manual labourer reporting with olecranon spur fracture should be approached carerfully lest one might be overlooking a triceps tendon disruption ahich will be highly disabling for the person involved in heavy manual labourer. Although in most cases it might be only a spur fracture in isolation or just a pseudoarthrosis.