A Case Report on a Bilateral Simultaneous Olecranon Apophyseal Fracture After a Simple Fall: Initial Diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

TL;DR

A 12-year-old boy with undiagnosed OI suffered rare simultaneous elbow fractures after a minor fall, highlighting the need for early OI diagnosis in children.

Contribution

First reported case of simultaneous bilateral olecranon apophyseal fractures in a child with undiagnosed OI.

Findings

Bilateral olecranon avulsion fractures occurred after a simple fall in a child with previously undiagnosed OI.

OI should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pediatric olecranon fractures.

Early diagnosis and holistic management are crucial for optimizing outcomes in children with OI.

Abstract

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary disorder characterized by abnormal type I collagen metabolism, leading to increased bone fragility. Fractures, often occurring with minor trauma, may manifest in atypical patterns in affected children. Among these, olecranon fractures (OFs) pose a particular risk in pediatric patients with OI. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with undiagnosed OI type 1 who sustained bilateral simultaneous olecranon avulsion fractures following a simple fall. To our knowledge, this case is the first reported instance in the literature of simultaneous bilateral apophyseal OF in a patient with previously undiagnosed OI. We aim to highlight the importance of considering OI in the differential diagnosis of pediatric OF encountered by orthopedic surgeons. This case underscores the need for heightened clinical suspicion, emphasizing the significance of a holistic approach to patients and detailed history-taking for early diagnosis and appropriate management in children with OI to optimize outcomes.

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