A triceps tendon rupture is an injury that occurs to the triceps tendon in the back of the elbow in which the triceps tendon is pulled off and detaches from the bony part of the elbow.
Symptoms
- Inability to straighten or “extend” elbow
- Hearing or feeling a “pop”
- Pain in the back of the arm near the elbow
- Defect or space at the back of the elbow where the tendon usually is
- Cramping of retracted triceps tendon which forms a bulge where the tendon has rolled up the back of the arm
Causes
- Forced bending of the elbow during a pushing activity causing triceps tendon to separate from bone.
- Severe overuse
- Forced straightening of bent elbow
Risk factors
- Those playing a sport or involved in activity with a fall risk
- Those involved in high contact or impact activities
Prevention
- Proper warm up and stretch of the upper body
- Ice after activity if painful
- Wear safety equipment
- Pay attention to proper technique when performing drills or lifting weights
- Avoid activities that cause pain
- Proper cool down and stretch
Diagnosis
- A physician will go over the patient’s medical history and perform a thorough examination
- X-ray will be taken to rule out fracture
- MRI may be needed to assess the extent of the rupture and location of the tendon
Treatment options
- Surgical repair is usually necessary to reattach the tendon
- Surgery should be done within the first 4 weeks of injury
- The tendon is reattached to the bone with the use of drill holes and bone anchors
- Elbow is placed in a splint after surgery to protect repair for 1-2 weeks
- After the first two weeks of immobilization in a splint, the elbow will then be placed in a removeable brace for 6-8 weeks that allows limited flexion of the elbow
- Physical therapy is begun 4-6 weeks after surgery to restore range of motion and strength
Full return to play is usually achieved after approximately 4-6 months post-surgery.