Rupture of the Triceps Brachii muscle

Definition/Description

A rupture of the distal triceps is the most uncommon rupture in the upper extremity, namely less than 1% of all the upper extremity tendon injuries.

Epidemiology / Etiology

We can associate triceps ruptures with a traumatic injury or sometimes it occurs after a surgical procedure where the triceps was reattached. For example some case reports confirm triceps ruptures after following total elbow arthroplasty. There are some predisposing factors for triceps rupture like : systematic endocrine disorders, renal failure, anabolic steroid use, local steroid injection, and chronic olecranon bursitis. When the triceps is placed in an unfavorable loading condition like lowering a very heavy object, the triceps can be at risk. The patient describes often an unexpected “pop” or giving way. Subsequently the patient has pain and weakness in the extremity.

Clinical presentation

A patient with a triceps rupture can have posterior elbow pain, triceps weakness, a swelling and a palpable defect in the tendon.
When the patient is unable to extend his arm against gravity, you can expect a complete triceps rupture. A palpable defect is not always present, but sometimes can be found in the posterior arm. Swelling and echymosis are other nonspecific findings.

Differential diagnosis

• Fracture

• Joint dislocation

• Intramuscular tear