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Purpose: This nationwide study aims to describe the epidemiology, fracture classification and current treatment regimens of olecranon fractures in adults.

Methods: We performed a descriptive study based on registered data from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). All non-pathological olecranon fractures reported between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 in patients aged ≥ 18 years were included. Data on age, sex, injury mechanism, fracture classification (according to the modified Mayo classification system), primary treatment and seasonal variation were analyzed. We compared patients < 65 with those > 65 years regarding injury mechanism, distribution of fracture types and subsequent treatment.

Results: In total, 2462 olecranon fractures were identified in the SFR. Median age was 66 years and 65% were women. Of all fractures, 303 (12%) were proximal avulsion, 1044 (42%) simple central, 717 (29%) comminuted central and 398 (16%) distal olecranon fractures. Nonoperative treatment was performed in 21% of the patients < 65 and 35% of the patients > 65 years. Tension band wiring was used for most simple central fractures. Plate fixation was used in almost half of the operatively treated fractures classified as unstable comminuted central and distal olecranon fractures. Men show a higher proportion of high-energy trauma than women in both age groups.

Conclusion: Isolated fractures of the olecranon occur after a low-energy trauma, especially in older women (> 65 years). Non-operative treatment is common in uncomplicated fractures and operative treatment in more complex fractures nationwide. A shift to plate fixation in the more unstable fracture patterns is observed. These results may help health care providers and clinicians gain a better understanding of isolated olecranon fractures.