Definition of Olecranon

Olecranon: Of or pertaining to the bony tip of the elbow. The olecranon is, in fact, the near end of the ulna, the bone in the forearm, that forms the pointed portion of the elbow.

The triceps muscle tendon of the back of the arm attaches to the olecranon.

Disease can affect the olecranon. For example, inflammation of the tiny fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the tip of the elbow van occur; it is referred to as olecranon bursitis. And also, for example, a firm nodule can form at the tip of the elbow; it is referred to as an olecranon nodule (and can be found in gout or rheumatoid arthritis).

The olecranon is also called the olecranon process of the ulna.