Olecranon fractures in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic: Is non-operative treatment reasonable? Review of the current evidence

This article reviews the current literature regarding treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly. Literature search of the available databases. One randomised controlled trial has been published, comparing operative versus non-operative treatments of olecranon fractures in this age group. The study was terminated prematurely due to the high complication rate in the operative group. No difference in functional scores was recorded. Other publ ished retrospective case series report good functional outcome scores and high satisfaction rates in the majority of patients in whom olecranon fractures were treated non-operatively. Non-operative treatment of olecranon fractures in elderly patients seems to be safe and an acceptable management opt ion in these unprecedented times.
Source: Musculoskeletal Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research