Type 2 olecranon fractures
Fracture characteristics
Type 2 olecranon fractures are transverse fractures, which typically originate from the caudal cortex near the midbody of the olecranon and extend cranially into the synovial cavity of the trochlear notch. Although the fracture enters the synovial cavity, it is possible for the fracture to be either articular or non-articular, because the articular surface of the olecranon is limited to its cranioproximal aspect. If the fracture courses proximally the articular surface may be disrupted, however if the fracture courses distally, it may avoid the articular surface.
Those fractures typically occur in younger horses after a kick or fall.
Clinical signs
The majority of foals with a displaced Type 2 fracture of the olecranon will have a some degree of 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.
