Furushima et al classified different types of olecranon stress fractures (OSF) in young Japanese baseball players based on changes seen in imaging studies. The authors are from Keiyu Orthopaedic Hospital in Gunma, Japan.
Patient selection: young baseball player (13 to 27 years) with olecranon stress fracture in throwing arm
Imaging studies may include:
(1) anterior-posterior X-ray
(2) lateral X-ray
(3) CT scan
(4) MRI scan
|
AP View |
Lateral View |
Type |
|
fracture line from proximal-ulnar side and runs towards the distal radial side |
fracture line runs from the olecranon articular surface in the dorsal-proximal direction |
classic (oblique) |
|
fracture line in the epiphyseal plate and runs vertical to the ulnar axis |
fracture line runs from olecranon articular surface in the dorsal-distal direction |
physeal |
|
fracture line in the epiphyseal plate and runs vertical to the ulnar axis |
fracture line runs from the olecranon articular surface in the dorsal-proximal direction |
transitional |
|
fracture line originates in the cortical notch of the trochlear groove |
fracture line runs from the articular surface in the dorsal-distal direction |
distal |
|
sclerotic with indistinct fracture line |
sclerotic with indistinct fracture line |
sclerotic |
|
Type |
Features |
|
classic (oblique) |
common in adults |
|
physeal |
common in adolescents |
|
transitional |
physeal-like changes in the AP view and classic-like changes on the lateral view |
|
distal |
distal to that seen in the classic type. CT and MRI scans can be helpful for diagnosis |
|
sclerotic |
best diagnosed on MRI using T2-weighted images where an extensive low-intensity area is seen on the articular surface |
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic
