Triceps Tendon Ruptures: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Partial ruptures of the distal triceps tendons show only slightly lower ultimate load to failure: a biomechanical study

OBJECTIVE

Partial ruptures of the distal triceps tendon are usually treated surgically from a size of > 50% tendon involvement. The aim of this study was to compare the ultimate load to failure of intact triceps tendons with partially ruptured tendons and describe the rupture mechanism.

METHODS

Eighteen human fresh-frozen cadaveric elbow specimens were randomly assigned to two groups with either an intact distal triceps tendon or with a simulated partial rupture of 50% of the tendon. A continuous traction on the distal triceps tendon was applied to provoke a complete tendon rupture. The maximum required ultimate load to failure of the tendon in N was measured. In addition, video recordings of the ruptures of the intact tendons were performed and analysed by two independent investigators.

RESULTS

A median ultimate load to failure of 1,390 N (range Q_0.25-Q_0.75, 954 - 2,360) was measured in intact distal triceps tendons. The median ultimate load to failure of the partially ruptured tendons was 1,330 N (range Q_0.25-Q_0.75, 1,130 - 1.470 N). The differences were not significant. All recorded ruptures began in the superficial tendon portion, and seven out of nine tendons in the lateral tendon portion.

DISCUSSION

Partial ruptures of the distal triceps tendon demonstrate a not statistically significant lower ultimate load to failure than intact tendons and typically occur in the superficial, lateral portion of the tendon. This finding can be helpful when deciding between surgical and conservative therapy for partial ruptures of the distal triceps tendon.

Functional Considerations in Bilateral, Simultaneous Tendon Injuries of the Upper Extremity: A Narrative Review of Current Literature

» Bilateral, simultaneous same-tendon injuries of the upper extremity are rarely encountered, yet their unique complexity poses a substantial challenge for treating orthopaedic surgeons.» In general, extremities with more tendon retraction should be repaired acutely while contralateral injuries can be treated in a staged or simultaneous manner depending on injury morphology, location, and anticipated functional impairment.» Combinations of accelerated and conventional rehabilitation protocols can be used for individual extremities to minimize the length of functional impairment.

[Lesions of the triceps tendon : Diagnostics, management, treatment]

The triceps brachii muscle is the main extender of the elbow joint. Triceps tendon rupture or tearing presents a rare injury pattern in general. Distal tendon ruptures occur most commonly in the area of the insertion of the olecranon. Fractures of the radial head are reported as the most common concomitant injury. In many cases, pre-existing degenerative damage predisposes for tendon injury. These include local steroid injections, anabolic steroid abuse, renal insufficiency requiring dialysis, hyperparathyroidism, lupus erythematosus and Marfan's syndrome. However, the most frequent trauma mechanism is a direct fall onto the extended forearm or a blow to the elbow. Beside clinical examination and sonography, magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic gold standard. The treatment of triceps tendon injuries includes conservative as well as operative approaches, whereby the indications for surgical treatment must be generously considered depending on the patient's age, functional demands of the patient, involvement of the dominant extremity as well as on the extent of the tendon rupture.