Conservative treatment of displaced fractures of the olecranon in the elderly

We have analysed the functional results of the conservative treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in 12 patients with a mean age of 81.8 (73–90) years. The patients were evaluated at the time of the final follow up which was 15.2 (6–33) months. Physical examination and radiographic study were performed. None of the patients were limited in their daily activities. 67% of the patients were asymptomatic with an acceptable range of motion of their elbows. The clinical results were good in 8 cases, fair in 3 and poor in one, in spite of 9 cases of pseudoarthrosis. The grade of satisfaction was excellent in 11 patients and bad in only one. Conservative treatment of displaced olecranon fractures provides satisfactory results in old patients.