What is a triceps tendon tear?
The triceps muscle has three “heads” and is found along the posterior (back) portion of the upper arm. The three muscle “heads” begin at the bottom of the shoulder and come together to form a singular tendon insertion at the elbow. The triceps tendon anchors these muscles to the olecranon, a bony prominence on the ulna (pinky side forearm bone) and is important for straightening and stabilizing the elbow. A triceps tendon tear occurs when the tendon becomes partially or completely separated from its attachment site on the olecranon. A complete triceps tendon tear is a remarkably rare occurrence due to the substantial amount of force that is needed directly on the elbow to result in complete tendon detachment. Athletes that participate in high-impact sports, such as weightlifting, wrestling, and football, have the highest risk of experiencing a triceps tendon tear, yet non-athletic individuals may also experience a triceps tendon tear as the result of a work-related incident. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic elbow specialist serving patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience in treating patients who have experienced a triceps tendon tear.
What are the symptoms of a triceps tendon tear?
If a triceps tendon tear is suspected, it is important to seek prompt attention from a medical professional. A frequently reported symptom of a triceps tendon tear is a sharp and sudden elbow pain following an injury. A complete tendon rupture may result in a defect that can be felt along the olecranon. Some other common complaints of a triceps tendon tear include:
- Bruising and swelling of the posterior elbow and upper arm
- Hearing or feeling a “pop” at the time of injury
- Difficulty with fully straightening the elbow against resistance
How is a triceps tendon tear diagnosed?
Dr. Lamplot can confirm a triceps tendon tear with a comprehensive medical history and a thorough physical examination of the affected elbow. Evaluating the mechanism of injury along with areas of pain and tenderness and/or palpable muscle or tendon defects can help Dr. Lamplot to determine the severity of a triceps tendon tear. Diagnostic imaging studies, such as x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can also be beneficial for ruling out additional damage to the surrounding elbow structures.
What is the treatment for a triceps tendon tear?
Non-surgical treatment:
Patients with chronic triceps tendon injuries, or if a partial tendon separation was sustained, may prefer to initially treat with conservative therapies. Pain and inflammation can be managed with rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It should be noted that non-surgical treatment of a triceps tendon tear can result in persistent pain and weakness of the upper arm. Therefore, consulting an orthopedic elbow specialist with experience in treating triceps tendon tears can be instrumental in this decision-making process.
Surgical treatment:
Surgical intervention is often necessary for patients with a complete rupture of the triceps tendon or when conservative therapy fails to alleviate symptoms. Surgical repair of a triceps tendon tear is time-sensitive to prevent tendon retraction and the development of scar tissue. Dr. Lamplot can utilize one of two surgical approaches to reattach the triceps tendon: 1) using special surgical anchors that are secured within the bone to anchor the torn triceps tendon; or, 2) using sutures that are passed through a tunnel created in the ulna bone. For chronic or retracted tears, Dr. Lamplot may use a graft from a cadaver to improve the likelihood of a successful repair.
Triceps Tendon Injury Specialist
Do you participate in sports which cause repetitive load bearing during elbow extension, like weightlifting? This type of sport, as well as a severe fall on an outstretched arm can result in a triceps tendon injury. Severe triceps tendon tears can cause arm weakness, a bulge in the back of the arm and elbow pain or tenderness. Triceps tendon injury specialist, 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 injured or torn their triceps tendon. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!
