Espiral AtlasOlecranon
olecranon
Study entry
Description
Projection on the posterior surface of the proximal end of the ulna; the most prominent point of the elbow.
Relations
Insertion of the triceps brachii; with the coronoid process it forms the walls of the trochlear notch.
Palpation
With the elbow extended, the olecranon and the epicondyles lie in a straight line; flexed, they form a triangle.
Source: cap. 3, «Huesos del antebrazo»
Clinical correlation
Fracture of the olecranon
It is common, because the olecranon is prominent and lies under the skin. It comes from a fall on the elbow together with a strong contraction of the triceps, which pulls the fragment backward; for that reason it is often seen as an avulsion fracture and usually calls for fixation with pins. It heals slowly, with a cast for a long time.
Bursitis of the elbow
The subcutaneous olecranon bursa is bruised in falls on the elbow and becomes infected through abrasions of the skin above. Repeated pressure and friction (wrestling, resting the elbow on a table) inflame it: olecranon bursitis, "student's elbow". Subtendinous bursitis, between the triceps tendon and the olecranon, is rare and comes from repeated flexion and extension; it hurts more on flexing. Bicipitoradial bursitis hurts on pronating, because the bursa is squeezed against the anterior half of the radial tuberosity.
Related clinical cases
- Fracture of the olecranon
- Bursitis of the elbow