Triceps Tendon Tear

Understanding Triceps Tendon Tear

The triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm straightens the elbow. Its tendon attaches to the olecranon, the bony tip of the elbow. Triceps tendon tears are uncommon, and most occur where the tendon attaches to bone.

Tears usually result from a fall on an outstretched hand or a forceful contraction against resistance, such as during bench pressing or a block in football. Weightlifting, anabolic steroid use, local steroid injections, olecranon bursitis, kidney disease and some other medical conditions increase the risk.

Partial tears with good strength can heal with a splint and therapy. After surgical repair, most patients regain full motion in about three months, with strength continuing to improve for several months longer. Complete tears, and partial tears with significant weakness, are generally repaired surgically by reattaching the tendon to the olecranon.

Causes & Risk Factors

• A fall on an outstretched hand
• Weightlifting, especially bench press
• Contact sports such as football
• Anabolic steroid use and local steroid injections
• Olecranon bursitis and chronic kidney disease

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of Triceps Tendon Tear include:

• Sudden pain at the back of the elbow
• Swelling and bruising
• Weakness or inability to straighten the elbow against gravity
• A palpable gap above the tip of the elbow

Treatment Options

Treatment for Triceps Tendon Tear depends on the severity of your condition and may include:

• A splint or brace and physical therapy for partial tears
• Surgical repair of complete tears
• Reconstruction with a graft for chronic tears