Rupture of the Triceps Brachii muscle
Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
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.[1][2]
Epidemiology / Etiology[edit | edit source]
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. [1]
Clinical presentation[edit | edit source]
A patient with a triceps rupture can have posterior elbow pain, triceps weakness, a swelling and a palpable defect in the tendon.
[2]
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.
[1]
Differential diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Physical therapy management[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Blackmore S.M. et al, Management of distal biceps and triceps ruptures. Journal of hand therapy, 2006; 19 : 154-169. Level B
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rineer C.A. et al., Elbow tendinopathy and tendon ruptures : Epicondylitis, biceps and triceps ruptures. Journal of hand surgery, 2009 ; 34 A : 566 – 576 Level B
