Surgical Repair of Distal Triceps Tendon Injuries: Short-term to Midterm Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors for Perioperative Complications

Biomechanical strength of triceps tendon repairs: systematic review and meta-regression analysis of human cadaveric studies

PURPOSE

It is unclear which triceps tendon repair constructs and techniques produce the strongest biomechanical performance while minimizing the risk of gap formation and repair failure. We aimed to determine associations of construct and technique variables with the biomechanical strength of triceps tendon repairs. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies on biomechanical strength of triceps tendon repairs in human cadavers. 6 articles met the search criteria. Meta-regression was performed on the pooled dataset (123 specimens). Outcomes of interest included gap formation, failure mode, and ultimate failure load. Covariates were fixation type; number of implants; and number of sutures. Stratification by covariates was performed. We found no association between fixation type and ultimate failure load; however, suture anchor fixation was associated with less gap formation compared with transosseous direct repair (β =  - 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]:- 2.2, - 0.04). A greater number of implants was associated with smaller gap formation (β = - 0.77; 95% CI: - 1.3, - 0.28) while a greater number of sutures was associated with higher ultimate failure load ( β= 3; 95% CI: 21, 125). In human cadaveric models, the number of sutures used in triceps tendon repairs may be more important than the fixation type or number of implants for overall strength. If using a transosseous direct repair approach to repair triceps tendon tears, surgeons may choose to use more sutures in their repair in order to balance the risk of larger gap formation when compared to indirect repair techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Surgical Outcomes, Trends, and Risk Factors of Distal Triceps Repairs

BACKGROUND

Distal triceps ruptures are rare, and complete ruptures are commonly treated with surgery. Studies of patients in small cohorts with distal triceps tear have reported outcomes and risk factors; however, large-scale data are scant. This study seeks to determine current trends, outcomes, and risk factors of distal triceps tears.

METHODS

Within a large insurance claims database, distal triceps repair patients were identified through Current Procedural Terminology coding with concomitant distal triceps International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision/10th Revision diagnosis codes and 1-year active status before and after surgery. Demographics, total costs, 90-day complications, and revision rates within 1 year of index surgery were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed for revision and complication rates using sex, age, and comorbidities (anabolic steroid use, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, tobacco use, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney disease).

RESULTS

A total of 8143 patients were included in the cohort. Male patients and patients aged 40 to 59 years comprised most of the study population. The postoperative complication rate was 5.8%, and the 1-year revision rate was 2.6%. Male sex, age >60 years, ischemic heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney disease were statistically significant risk factors for higher 90-day complication rates. Anabolic steroid use significantly increased the risk of surgical revision.

CONCLUSIONS

Distal triceps repairs in this large cohort study occur most frequently in men aged 40 to 59 years. Complications are generally low, with age >60 years, male sex, ischemic heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney disease as risk factors for 90-day complications and prior anabolic steroid use as a risk factor for 1-year revision surgery. This information can help to improve education and expectations of this procedure.

The Elbow's Achilles Heel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Triceps Tendon Rupture and Repair Techniques

Triceps tendon avulsion is a rare but debilitating condition and the least frequent of all tendon injuries, but it is receiving increasing attention in the literature. The most common mechanism of injury is resisted extension, which is typically seen in a fall onto an extended hand. Such injuries are easily overlooked and should be considered a differential diagnosis in all patients who describe pain and swelling at the posterior aspect of the elbow following a traumatic event. Non-operative management is the general principle for partial rupture as opposed to a variety of surgical treatments for a complete avulsion. The goal of this meta-analysis is to analyse the current literature on triceps avulsion and provide a detailed overview of the occurrence, diagnosis, treatment options and outcomes, comparison of various repair techniques, and consequences of this injury.

Complications after traumatic distal triceps tears: an analysis of 107 cases

Background

The major complication and reoperation rates after distal triceps repair are poorly defined. The purpose of this large retrospective cohort study of distal triceps repairs performed by multiple surgeons within a large orthopedic group was to more clearly define the rates and risk factors of clinically impactful major complications and reoperations.

Methods

All distal triceps tendon repairs for traumatic injuries performed from January 2006 to April 2017 with a minimum 2-month follow-up were identified using the Current Procedural Terminology code 24342. A total of 107 patients were included in this study. The primary outcome measure was total major complication rate. Reoperations, minor complications, and risk factors were also tracked.

Results

Repairs were performed via bone tunnels (63.5%), suture anchors (13%), or a combination of the two (17.8%). A 14% complication rate and 13.1% reoperation rate were observed. Indication for reoperation included 9 reruptures, 3 infections, and 2 others. The time between injury and surgery was not found to be a risk factor for tendon rerupture. Smoking status, gender, utilization of a splint or controlled motion brace, and time to first active mobilization were not shown to influence rates or rerupture.

Conclusion

Distal triceps repair for traumatic injuries is associated with 14% complication and 13.1% reoperation rates. Patient, rehabilitation, and surgeon-specific factors did not influence the complication rate.

Surgical repair of distal triceps rupture: a systematic review of outcomes and complications

Background

Triceps tendon injury is rare and accounts for only 2% of all tendinous injuries. It typically occurs after trauma or physical strain with eccentric loading. Treatment involves surgical repair, commonly with either transosseous bone tunnels or suture anchors. Nonsurgical management is typically reserved for low-demand or high-risk patients, as this is associated with deficits in strength and functional disability. Despite several recent high-quality observational studies that have added to our understanding of outcomes after surgical repair, we are not aware of a systematic review that includes literature published after 2015. In addition, prior reviews did not compare outcomes between different surgical repair methods, particularly transosseous bone tunnel and suture anchor techniques.

Methods

This systematic review examines published literature between January 1970 and May 2021 in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to further examine reported functional outcomes and compare those outcomes between the two surgical repair methods.

Results

Our literature search yielded 309 results, of which only 16 met inclusion criteria. At the latest follow-up, the mean Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 4, the mean Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 8, the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 92, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons-Elbow score was 99, the mean modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 94, the mean Oxford Elbow Score was 43, and the mean isokinetic muscle strength testing was 87%. A very high percentage (95%) of patients reported being satisfied with the repair. Preinjury levels of function were achieved in 92% of patients, and 100% regained at least a score of 4 of 5 for gross muscle strength. Complications occurred in 15% of cases, of which retears accounted for 5%. Subanalysis of cases with reported repair types revealed a significantly higher overall complication rate with transosseous repairs than with suture anchor repairs (18% vs. 8%, P = .008) as well as a higher retear rate in the transosseous repair group (7% vs. 2%, P = .03).

Conclusion

Patient-reported outcome measures were favorable for both suture anchor and transosseous tunnel repair methods. Suture anchor repair showed significantly better results with regard to isokinetic strength testing, complication rates, and retear rates. Further study is needed to establish superiority of either technique and cost-efficacy. In light of the evidence supporting greater biomechanical strength and lower clinical rates of failure, surgeons may consider use of a suture anchor technique for repair of distal triceps ruptures.

Posttreatment Changes of the Elbow

Radiologists should be familiar with the typical surgical procedures applied at the elbow and aware of the spectrum of normal and pathologic appearances of posttreatment situations throughout all radiologic modalities. Most important in the case of posttraumatic surgical elbow procedures is correct postoperative elbow joint alignment, appropriate fixation of joint-forming fragments, and proper insertion of screws, plates, and anchor devices that do not conflict with intra-articular or bony structures. To report soft tissue repair procedures correctly, radiologists need to know the broad spectrum of different techniques applied and their appearance on magnetic resonance imaging.

Return to Sport Following Distal Triceps Repair

PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the timeline of return-to-sport following distal triceps repair; evaluate the degree of participation and function upon returning to sport; and identify risk factors for failure to return to sport.

METHODS

Patients who underwent distal triceps repair with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients completed a subjective sports questionnaire and were scored on a visual analog scale for pain; the Mayo Elbow Performance Index; the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation.

RESULTS

Out of 113 eligible patients who had a distal triceps repair, 81 patients (71.7%) were contacted. Sixty-eight patients (84.0%) who participated in sports prior to surgery were included at 6.0 ± 4.0 years after surgery, and the average age was 46.6 ± 11.5 years. Sixty-one patients (89.7%) resumed playing at least 1 sport by 5.9 ± 4.4 months following distal triceps repair. However, 18 patients (29.5%) returned to a lower level of activity intensity. The average postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Mayo Elbow Performance; visual analog scale for pain; and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation scores were 8.2 ± 14.0, 89.5 ± 13.4, 2.0 ± 1.7, and 82.2 ± 24.3, respectively. No patients underwent revision surgery at the time of final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Distal triceps repair enables 89.7% of patients to return to sport by 5.9 ± 4.4 months following surgery. However, 29.5% of patients were unable to return to their preinjury level of activity. It is imperative that patients are appropriately educated to manage postoperative expectations regarding sport participation following distal triceps repair.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Determining the incidence and risk factors for short-term complications following distal biceps tendon repair

Background

Distal biceps rupture is a relatively uncommon injury that can significantly affect quality of life. Early complications following biceps tendon repair are not well described in the literature. This study utilizes a national surgical database to determine the incidence of and predictors for short-term complications following distal biceps tendon repair.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients undergoing distal biceps repair between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017. Patient demographic variables of sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, functional status, and several comorbidities were collected for each patient, along with 30-day postoperative complications. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate risk ratios for these complications using patient predictor variables.

Results

Early postoperative surgical complications (0.5%)—which were mostly infections (0.4%)—and medical complications (0.3%) were rare. A readmission risk factor was diabetes (risk ratio [RR], 4.238; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.180–15.218). Non-home discharge risk factors were smoking (RR, 3.006; 95% CI, 1.123–8.044) and ≥60 years of age (RR, 4.150; 95% CI, 1.611– 10.686). Maleness was protective for medical complications (RR, 0.024; 95% CI, 0.005–0.126). Surgical complication risk factors were obese class II (RR, 4.120; 95% CI, 1.123–15.120), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; RR, 21.981; 95% CI, 3.719–129.924), and inpatient surgery (RR, 8.606; 95% CI, 2.266–32.689).

Conclusions

Complication rates after distal biceps repair are low. Various patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors were all predictive of short-term complications.

Triceps Rupture and Repair in a Healthy, Young Woman following Rock Climbing

Triceps tendon rupture in females is rare. In this case report, we present a young adult female patient with a distal triceps tendon rupture from bouldering treated with open surgical repair technique using a modified bone tunnel and suture anchor fixation technique. The diagnosis and technique for repair and postoperative rehabilitation are described. A review of the current literature of biomechanical and clinical outcomes of various repair techniques is also presented.

Biceps, Brachialis, and Triceps

Tendon injuries at the elbow affect mostly the distal biceps and can progressively degenerate over time or rupture in an acute event. The degree of retraction may depend on the integrity of the lacertus fibrosus, a fibrous expansion that merges with the forearm flexor fascia. Biceps disorders are frequently associated with fluid or synovitis of the adjacent bicipital bursa; primary bursal disorders (primary inflammatory synovitis) can also be observed. Distal triceps is less frequently injured than the distal biceps, and tears usually manifest as distal ruptures with avulsion of a small flake of bone from the tip of the olecranon. Brachialis injuries are uncommon and the consequence of sudden muscle stretching during forced elbow hyperextension, as in posterior elbow luxation.

A clinicoradiological classification and a treatment algorithm for traumatic triceps tendon avulsion in adults

PURPOSE

Triceps tendon avulsion (TTA) is an uncommon injury, and there are no classifications or treatment guidelines available. This study aims to describe a clinicoradiological classification and treatment algorithm for traumatic TTA in adults. The functional outcome of surgical repair has been evaluated too.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of adult patients with traumatic TTA treated in our institution between January 2012 and December 2017 was done. We only included complete TTA injuries. Children below 15 years, with open injuries, associated fractures, or partial TTA were excluded. The data were obtained from hospital records. The intraoperative findings were correlated with the clinicoradiological presentation for classifying TTA. The functional outcome was analyzed using the Mayo Elbow Performance index and Hospital for Special Surgery elbow score. ANOVA test was used to assess the statistical significance.

RESULTS

There were 15 patients included, 11 males and 4 females. The mean age was (31.5 ± 9.15) years, and the mean follow-up was (22.4 ± 8.4) months. Fall on outstretched hand was the mode of injury. In 6 patients, diagnosis was missed on the initial visit. TTA were classified as Type I: palpable soft-tissue defect without bony mass; Type II: palpable soft-tissue defect with a wafer-thin/comminuted bony fragment on X-ray; Type III: palpable soft-tissue defect with a bony mass and a large bony fragment on X-ray without extension to the articular surface; and Type IV: an olecranon fracture with less than 25% of the articular surface. An algorithm for treatment was recommended, i.e. transosseous suture repair/suture anchor for Type I, transosseous suture repair for Type II, and tension band wiring or steel wire sutures for Types III and IV. All the patients achieved good to excellent outcome: the mean Mayo Elbow Performance index was 100 and Hospital for Special Surgery score was 98.26 ± 2.60 on final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Our clinicoradiological classification and treatment algorithm for TTAs is simple. Surgical treatment results in excellent functions of the elbow. Since it is a single-center study involving a very small number of cases, a multicenter study with a larger number of patients is required for external validation of our classification and treatment recommendations.

Return to work following distal triceps repair

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate and duration of return to work in patients undergoing distal triceps repair (DTR).

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing DTR from 2009 to 2017 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Patients completed a standardized and validated work questionnaire; a visual analog scale for pain; the Mayo Elbow Performance Score; the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; and a satisfaction survey.

RESULTS

Of 113 eligible patients who underwent DTR, 81 (71.7%) were contacted. Of these patients, 74 (91.4%) were employed within 3 years prior to surgery (mean age, 46.0 ± 10.7 years; mean follow-up, 5.9 ± 3.9 years). Sixty-nine patients (93.2%) returned to work by 2.2 ± 3.2 months postoperatively. Sixty-six patients (89.2%) were able to return to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary-, light-, medium-, and high-intensity occupations were able to return to work at a rate of 100.0%, 100.0%, 80.0%, and 76.9%, respectively, by 0.3 ± 0.5 months, 1.8 ± 1.5 months, 2.5 ± 3.6 months, and 4.8 ± 3.9 months, respectively, postoperatively. Of the workers' compensation patients, 15 (75%) returned to work by 6.5 ± 4.3 months postoperatively, whereas 100% of non-workers' compensation patients returned to work by 1.1 ± 1.6 months (P < .001). Seventy-one patients (95.9%) were at least somewhat satisfied, with 50 patients (67.6%) reporting excellent satisfaction. Seventy-two patients (97.3%) would undergo the operation again if presented the opportunity. A single patient (1.4%) required revision DTR.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 93% of patients who underwent DTR returned to work by 2.2 ± 3.2 months postoperatively. Patients with higher-intensity occupations had an equivalent rate of return to work but took longer to return to their preoperative level of occupational intensity. Information regarding return to work is imperative in preoperative patient consultation to manage expectations.

Clinical Outcomes of Low-Cost, Anchorless Repair of the Triceps Tendon Using a Proximal Knot Technique

Purpose

To use validated outcome measures to evaluate the clinical results of surgical repair of distal triceps tendon ruptures using transosseous tunnels and high-strength sutures with proximally based knots.

Methods

A consecutive series of traumatic distal triceps tendon ruptures at a single institution was studied. All cases were surgically repaired by 1 surgeon using high-strength suture with a bone tunnel-based repair technique. Repair knots were oriented proximally instead of in the traditional distal position. All patients were evaluated at long-term follow-up with a physical examination performed by the orthopaedic surgeon and the following validated outcome measures: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; and visual analog scale score.

Results

Seven male patients with a mean age of 38 years (range, 19-50 years) and mean follow-up period of 4.1 ± 1.2 years underwent distal triceps tendon repair with bone tunnels and high-strength sutures with proximally positioned knots. Of the repairs, 4 involved the dominant arm. At final follow-up, the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 1.3 ± 3.1; the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 99.3 ± 1.9; and the mean visual analog scale score was 0. One additional patient who declined participation in the study had wound dehiscence and infection with an associated partial rerupture.

Conclusions

This case series of triceps tendon repairs using transosseous tunnels and proximally based knots showed favorable postoperative elbow function based on validated outcome measures.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

All-Suture Anatomic Footprint Repair of the Distal Triceps Tendon

Distal triceps ruptures are an uncommon injury, and currently, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal surgical technique for repair. The traditional transosseous cruciate repair has been shown to be nonanatomic and to have a higher failure rate and be biomechanically inferior to suture anchor repairs. The use of anchors significantly increases procedure cost and theoretically increases the risk of complications related to drill and anchor placement. The technique described in this article allows anatomic restoration of the triceps tendon while avoiding the increased cost and risk that may be associated with suture anchor placement.

Distal Triceps Tendon Injuries

Distal triceps ruptures are uncommon, usually caused by a fall on an outstretched hand or a direct blow. Factors linked to injury include eccentric loading of a contracting triceps, anabolic steroid use, weightlifting, and traumatic laceration. Risk factors include local steroid injection, hyperparathyroidism, and olecranon bursitis. Initial diagnosis can be complicated by pain and swelling, and a palpable defect is not always present. Plain radiographs can be helpful. MRI confirms the diagnosis and directs treatment. Incomplete tears can be treated nonsurgically; complete tears are best managed surgically. Good to excellent restoration of function has been shown with surgical repair.

Triceps Tendon Ruptures: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Triceps tendon ruptures (TTRs) are rare and often occur as a result of falling on an outstretched hand, forceful eccentric contraction, direct trauma to the elbow, or lifting against resistance. TTRs are most commonly seen in middle-aged men, football players, and weightlifters. Radiography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging may be utilized for diagnosis and to guide treatment. Acute partial TTRs may have good outcomes with nonoperative management. Surgery should be considered if nonoperative treatment is unsuccessful or if substantial musculotendinous retraction is present. Surgical repair is strongly recommended for complete TTRs.