Elbow Fractures in Children

/in /by

Article Featured on AAOS

Elbow fractures are common childhood injuries, accounting for about 10% of all childhood fractures. In many cases, a simple fracture will heal well with conservative cast treatment. Some types of elbow fractures, however, including those in which the pieces of bone are significantly out of place, may require surgery. Other structures in the elbow—such as nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments—may also be injured when a fracture occurs and may require treatment, as well.

Read more

What Is Olecranon Bursitis

/in , /by

Description

The olecranon (oh-LEH-cruh-nahn) is the pointy bone at the tip of the elbow.  The bursa is the thin sac of fluid that lies between this boney tip and the skin.  It helps the skin slide over the bone smoothly.  Normally, this sac has only a tiny bit of fluid inside of it and lays flat.  However, the bursa can become irritated or inflamed and fill with extra fluid (see Figure 1).  When this happens, a painful swelling develops at the back of the elbow.  This swelling is olecranon bursitis.

Read more