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.