What is a triceps tendon tear and where does it occur?

The three “heads” of the triceps muscle emanate from the bottom of the shoulder and travel along the posterior (back) upper arm. These muscle “heads” join together to form the triceps tendon that attaches the triceps muscle to the olecranon, a bony prominence on the ulna (pinky side forearm bone). A triceps tendon tear occurs when the triceps tendon becomes partially or completely separated from its attachment site on the olecranon. This injury is rare as a significant force is needed to bend the elbow while the triceps muscle is simultaneously attempting to straighten the elbow. Participants in high-impact sports, such as football, wrestling, and weightlifting, have the highest likelihood of experiencing a triceps tendon tear.

Triceps Injury or Tear

What is the treatment for a triceps tendon tear?

Due to the nature of a triceps tendon tear and its rare occurrence, surgical intervention is often the most successful treatment option. Prompt medical attention following a triceps tendon tear is strongly suggested as surgical treatment is time-sensitive to prevent tendon retraction and the development of scar tissue. The goal of surgically repairing a triceps tendon tear is to reattach the tendon back to its correct anatomical location to restore strength and function back to the triceps muscle. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic elbow doctor, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have experienced a triceps tendon tear and are in need of surgical repair.

How is a triceps tendon repair performed?

A triceps tendon repair is performed as an outpatient surgery using regional and local anesthesia. Dr. Lamplot begins by creating a small incision over the olecranon to visualize the damaged triceps tendon and surrounding elbow structures. The triceps tendon is then reattached to the olecranon with special surgical anchors secured within the bone.

Some patients may require a tendon graft to properly reattach the triceps tendon to the olecranon. The tendon graft is harvested from either the patient (autograft) or donor tissue (allograft) and integrated into the native triceps muscle before becoming anchored to the olecranon. This surgical technique is reserved for patients with repeated damage to the triceps tendon in the setting of a previous repair or for when the tendon has become retracted. Scar tissue can develop causing the tendon to shorten if a considerable amount of time passes between the triceps tendon tear and surgical treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult orthopedic elbow specialist, Dr. Lamplot, in a timely manner to prevent a difficult surgical repair.

What is the recovery period like after a triceps tendon repair?

The recovery period following a triceps tendon repair can vary by the severity and complexity of the triceps tendon tear. The majority of patients can expect a full recovery with a return to their normal daily activities in approximately 3 months. In general, the following can be anticipated by patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL:

  • Immobilization: The repaired elbow is placed into a splint and sling to immobilize the elbow. Immobilizing the elbow is important to protect the repaired tendon and allow it to properly heal to the bone.
  • Pain Management: Generalized discomfort, bruising, swelling, and pain are to be expected during the first 7 to 10 days following surgery. These post-operative symptoms can be managed with rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and a small number of pain pills.
  • Physical Rehabilitation: Dr. Lamplot will design an individualized physical rehabilitation program to strengthen the triceps muscle and restore elbow range of motion. This physical therapy program begins between 4 and 6 weeks after surgery. Active participation and completion of this physical therapy program is the key to a successful recovery following a triceps tendon repair.

Triceps Injury Surgeon

The triceps tendon, located behind the upper arm, allow the arm to straighten the elbow. An injury to the triceps can cause weakness and pain, felt in the back of the arm, especially when extending the arm. Triceps tendon injuries often occur from a fall on an outstretched arm or from forcing the elbow to bend when the arm is straight. Triceps tendon tear repair surgeon Doctor Joseph D. Lamplot, provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who have suffered a triceps tendon injury or tear. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!