Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Distal Triceps Tendon Rupture

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Atlas of Elbow Surgery

  • 676 Accesses

Abstract

Understanding triceps tendon anatomy is the key to achieving good outcomes in patients requiring its repair due to trauma or reinsertion after deep surgical exposure. There are anatomical differences between the lateral and medial side of the superficial tendon and between the superficial and deep tendon. In healthy individuals, trauma is the most common mechanism of distal triceps rupture; intrinsic pathological conditions such as overuse or earlier surgical treatment can also result in rupture due to reduced tensile strength. This chapter describes the distal triceps tendon rupture, the clinical presentations, diagnostic imaging and tests, the treatment options and surgical approaches.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 219.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Keener JD, Chafik D, Kim M, Galatz LM, Yamaguchi K. Insertional anatomy of the triceps brachii tendon. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2010;19:399–405.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Belentani C, Pastore D, Wangwinyuvirat M, Dirim B, Trudell DI, Haghighi P, et al. Triceps brachii tendon: anatomic-MR imaging. Study in cadavers with histological correlation. Skeletal Radiol. 2009;38:171–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Athwal GS, McGill RJ, Rispoli DM. Isolated avulsion of the medial head of the triceps tendon: an anatomic study and arthroscopic repair in 2 cases. J Arthrosc Relat Surg. 2009;25(9):983–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Aso K, Torisu T. Muscle belly tear of the triceps. Am J Sports Med. 1984;12:485–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Bach BR Jr, Warren RF, Wickiewicz TL. Triceps rupture. A case report and literature review. Am J Sports Med. 1987;15(3):285–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. O’Driscoll SW. Intramuscular triceps rupture. Can J Surg. 1992;35:203–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Khiami F, Tavassoli S, De Ridder BL, Catonne Y, Sariali E. Distal partial ruptures of triceps Brachii tendon in an athlete. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2012;98:242–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Levy M, Fischel RE, Stern GM. Triceps tendon avulsion with or without fracture of the radial head—a rare injury. J Trauma. 1978;18:677–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Levy M, Goldberg I, Meir I. Fracture of the head of the radius with a tear or avulsion of the triceps tendon. A new syndrome? J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1982;64(1):70–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Kibuule LK, Fehringer EV. Distal triceps tendon rupture and repair in an otherwise healthy pediatric patient: a case report and review of the literature. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16(3):e1–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Yoon MY, Koris MJ, Ortiz JA, Papandrea RF. Triceps avulsion, radial head fracture, and medial collateral ligament rupture about the elbow: a report of 4 cases. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21:12–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Madsen M, Marx RG, Millet PJ, Rodeo SA, Sperling JW, Warren RF. Surgical anatomy of the triceps brachii tendon: anatomical study and clinical correlation. Am J Sports Med. 2006;34:1839–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Huxley AF, Niedergerke R. Structural changes in muscle during contraction: interference microscopy of living muscle fibers. Nature. 1954;173:971–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Smart GW, Taunton JE, Clement DB. Achilles tendon disorders in runners. A review. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1980;12:231–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Apple DV, O’Toole J, Annis C. Professional basketball injuries. Phys Sports Med. 1982;10:81–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Celli A, Arash A, Adams RA, Morrey BF. Triceps tendon insufficiency following total elbow arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87:1957–64.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Guerroudj M, Charles de Longueville J, Rooze M, Hinserkamp M, et al. Biomechanical properties of triceps brachii tendon after in vitro simulation of different posterior surgical approaches. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16:849–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Yeh PC, Dodds SD, Smart LR, et al. Distal triceps rupture. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2010;18(1):31–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Halleb PD, Bach BR. Triceps brachii injuries. Sports Med. 1990;10:273–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Lee ML. Rupture of the triceps tendon. Br Med J. 1960;2(51–93):197.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Wagner JR, Cooney WP. Rupture of the triceps muscle at the musculotendinous junction: a case report. J Hand Surg Am. 1997;22:341–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Anzel SH, Convey KW, Weiner AD, Lipscomb PR. Disruption of muscles and tendons: an analysis of 1014 cases. Surgery. 1959;45:406–14.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Mair SD, Isbell WM, Gill TJ, et al. Triceps tendon ruptures in professional football players. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32(2):431–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Strauch RJ. Biceps and triceps injuries of the elbow. Orthop Clin North Am. 1999;30:95–107.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Van Riet RP, Morrey BF, Ho E, O’Driscoll SW. Surgical treatment of distal triceps ruptures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85-A(10):1961–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Sherman OH, Snyder SJ, Fox JM. Triceps tendon avulsion in a professional body builder. A case report. Am J Sports Med. 1984;12(4):328–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Clayton ML, Thirupathi RG. Rupture of the triceps tendon with olecranon bursitis. A case report with a new method of repair. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1984;184:183–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Celli A, Morrey BF. Triceps insufficiency following total elbow arthroplasty. In: Morrey BF, Sanchez Sotelo J, editors. The elbow and its disorders, 4th ed.; 2009. pp 873–879.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Inhofe PD, Manein MS. Late presentation of triceps rupture: a case report and review of literature. Am J Orthop. 1996;11:290–2.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Lambers K, Ring D. Elbow fracture-dislocation with triceps avulsion: report of 2 cases. J Hand Surg. 2011;36A:625–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Bos CF, Nelissen RG, Bloem JL. Incomplete rupture of the tendon of the triceps brachii. A case report. Int Orthop. 1994;18:273–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Pina A, Garcia I, Sabater M. Traumatic avulsion of the triceps brachii. J Orthop Trauma. 2002;16:273–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Viegas SF. Avulsion of the triceps tendon. Orthop Rev. 1990;19(6):533–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Kaempffe FA, Lerner RM. Ultrasound diagnosis of tricep tendon rupture: A report of 2 cases. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1996;332:138–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Gaines ST, Durbin RA, Marsalka DS. The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of triceps tendon ruptures. Contemp Orthop. 1990;20:607–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Wenzke DR. MR imaging of the elbow in the injured athlete. Radial Clin North Am. 2013;51:195–213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Kijowski R, Tuite M, Sanford M. Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow. Part II: Abnormalities of the ligament, tendons and nerves. Skeletal Radial. 2003;34:1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Kapandji IA. The elbow. In: The physiology of the joints. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Nirschl RP. Prevention and treatment of elbow and shoulder injuries in the tennis player. Clin Sports Med. 1988;7:289–308.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Herrick RT, Herrick S. Ruptured triceps in powerlifter presenting as cubital tunnel syndrome. A case report. Am J Sports Med. 1987;15(5):514–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Morrey BF. Rupture of the triceps tendon. In: Morrey BF, Sanchez-Sotelo J, editors. The elbow and its disorders. Saunders Elsevier; 2009. p. 536–46.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  42. Bennet BS. Triceps tendon rupture. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1962;44:741–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Morrey BF. Rupture of the triceps tendon. In: Morrey BF, editor. The elbow and its disorders. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 2000. p. 479–548.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Morrey BF. Open treatment of acute and chronic triceps tendon ruptures. In: Yamaguchi K, et al., editors. Advanced reconstruction elbow. Rosement: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2007. p. 1007–13.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Sierra RJ, Weiss NG, Shrader MW, Steinmann SP. Acute triceps ruptures: case report and retrospective chart review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006;15:130–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology Surgery, Shoulder and Elbow Unit, Hesperia Hospital, Moderna, Italy

    Andrea Celli & Luigi Celli

Authors
  1. Andrea Celli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Luigi Celli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Celli, A., Celli, L. (2022). Distal Triceps Tendon Rupture. In: Atlas of Elbow Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90259-9_24

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90259-9_24

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-90258-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-90259-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation