Triceps Tears
What is a Triceps Tendon Tear?
The triceps muscle is a large muscle on the back of the upper arm. It comprises three parts: the long head, the lateral head, and the medial head. These parts converge into a single tendon, the triceps tendon, which attaches to the olecranon, a part of the ulna in the forearm.
A triceps tendon tear is a type of injury where the tendon connecting the triceps muscle, located at the back of the upper arm, to the elbow’s pointy bone (olecranon) gets partially or completely torn. This tendon plays a crucial role in straightening the arm and adding power to pushing and pressing movements.
As an expert elbow surgeon in the Detroit area, Dr. Ben Mayo specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of triceps tendon tears. When determining the best tricep tendon tear treatment plan, Dr. Mayo considers multiple factors including your activity level, goals, and injury severity to find the best treatment for you. Contact Dr. Mayo’s team today to schedule a consultation at one of his offices in Livonia or Sterling Heights.
Triceps tendon tears often occur due to a sudden, forceful impact or movement, such as falling onto an outstretched arm or lifting a heavy weight. These injuries are relatively rare and are most common in weightlifters and those participating in contact sports.
Immediately after the injury, patients may experience intense pain, swelling, and bruising in the back of the elbow area. They may also notice a popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury. Over time, it may be difficult to straighten the arm or push open a door.
Small, partial tears of the triceps tendon can sometimes heal with rest, physical therapy, and other non-operative treatments. However, complete tears usually require surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone.
Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, where you will be checked for tenderness, swelling, or a gap in the tendon. This can be confirmed with imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI, which can help visualize the extent of the tear.
Triceps tendon tears can be classified into partial and complete tears. Partial tears involve only a portion of the tendon, while complete tears occur when the tendon is fully torn from the bone.
Treatment options depend on the extent of the injury. Partial tears can often be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Complete tears, however, usually require surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone.
Surgery is typically recommended for complete tears, especially for active individuals or those who rely on arm strength for their work or sports. Surgery should ideally be performed within a few weeks of the injury to prevent the tendon from shortening and scarring, which can make reattachment more difficult.
Surgery involves making an incision over the elbow, finding the torn end of the tendon, and reattaching it to the bone using stitches or suture anchors.
After surgery, the elbow is usually immobilized for a few weeks to allow the tendon to heal. After this period, physical therapy is started to restore strength and range of motion. Full recovery may take several months, and patients may need to avoid heavy lifting or contact sports during this time.
Schedule a elbow consultation
Dr. Ben Mayo is a fellowship trained elbow surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex elbow problems such as triceps tendon tear. Dr. Mayo is regarded as one of the best elbow surgeons in Michigan, and delivers tailored care that suits your needs, helping you return to your sport, your job, or your everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. Dr. Mayo is conveniently located with clinics in Sterling Heights and Livonia to serve the nearby communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, Novi, and Royal Oak. If you are having elbow pain from a triceps tendon tear, contact Dr. Mayo to schedule a consultation today.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
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