Olecranon Fracture

Patient Information Leaflet

Overview of your injury

• You have an olecranon fracture.
• This is a break to a bone in your elbow.

Healing

• It normally takes six to eight weeks for this fracture to heal.
• Smoking will slow down your healing.
• We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals.
• Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Feeling and movement of your hand

• It is important that you can always wiggle your fingers and that you have full feeling to your hand.
• If you lose movement or feeling of your hand you should go back to A&E immediately for your plaster to be checked.

Pain and swelling

• You have been fitted with a plaster and given a sling.
• Keep your arm elevated in the sling or on a pillow.
• This will help to reduce your swelling and pain.
• Take your pain medication exactly as prescribed by your health professional.

Exercises

Follow up

• You will see be seen in clinic about 7-10 days after your injury.
• Your cast will be taken off, and your arm will be examined.
• You might have another x-ray.
• You may be fitted with another cast.
• The specialist will explain the next stage of your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am concerned about my symptoms. What do I do?

• Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you cannot feel or move your fingers or thumb, go straight to A&E.

When can I start driving? You can return to driving when:

• You are no longer in a cast or sling,
• You can move comfortably and
• You can control the vehicle safely.
• Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

How can I get a certificate for work?

• You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP or the Doctor at your Fracture Clinic appointment.

I haven’t received my appointment letter. What do I do?

• Your first appointment will be made by the Virtual Fracture Clinic team.
• If you have not received your appointment letter, please contact us.

Contact our service

The Virtual Fracture Clinic
Call us on 020 7288 3310 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
Email: whh-tr.fracturevirtualclinic@nhs.net

With thanks to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for kindly sharing their information sheets with us with full permission to use contents and images.