Management of Olecranon Fracture in a Horse

Case Description: Olecranon fractures are frequently encountered in horses especially in foals. External trauma due to kicks or falls is the most common cause of the fracture. Treatment modalities of olecranon fractures including prolonged stall rest and surgical reconstruction of the different types of fractures have been proposed with different outcomes.
Clinical findings: The horse displayed a 75-day duration of right forelimb lameness while galloping. According to the owner the horse had stumbled on his right forelimb and found 2 days in a non-weight bearing stance with a painful swelling felt on the right elbow on palpation.
Treatment and Outcome: This article described nonsurgical management of an olecranon fracture in an adult horse subjected to 2 months complete stall rest. The horse regained soundness and performed his job normally.
Clinical relevance: Information regarding the history, clinical signs, diagnosis, management and long-term prognosis were discussed and compared with the current literature. Uncomplicated olecranon fractures with late referral to the clinic may go unnoticed because of no lameness in physical examinations.