Type 1b olecranon fractures
Fracture characteristics
Type 1b olecranon fractures can be articular (a) or non-articular (b) and they may have comminution of the anconeal process (c).
The fracture extends from the caudal aspect of the olecranon physis cranially for a variable distance before breaking into the metaphysis of the olecranon. The fracture extends into the cranial metaphysis and either exits into the articular surface of the olecranon (a) or the cranial metaphyseal cortex of the olecranon (b).
Radiographic examples
These fractures are often displaced.
The fracture is more common in older foals (weanlings and yearlings).
Clinical signs
The majority of foals with a displaced fracture of the proximal olecranon will have a characteristic dropped elbow and stand with the carpus flexed. They will be unable to support weight on the affected limb.
There will be varying degrees of soft-tissue swelling in the region of the elbow. Most of these fractures are closed, but on occasion they will present with a wound secondary to the trauma which caused the fracture.
Fractures in adult horses
Similar type fractures can also occur in adult horses.
