Distal Triceps Tendon Rupture

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Distal triceps tendon ruptures are the least common tendon rupture in the upper extremity. The triceps attaches to the olecranon at the back of the elbow and extends the forearm. Ruptures occur from a fall onto an outstretched arm or an eccentric load during push-off. Risk factors include anabolic steroid use, local corticosteroid injections near the tendon, renal failure, and hyperparathyroidism. Complete tears cause inability to extend the elbow against gravity.

Posterior elbow pain and swelling after trauma, with weakness or inability to extend the elbow. A palpable defect posterior to the olecranon is present in complete tears. X-rays may show a fleck of avulsed bone ("flake sign") at the olecranon. MRI confirms the diagnosis and tear extent.

Complete triceps ruptures with inability to extend the elbow should be repaired promptly.

External patient-education references and related OSI pages for additional background:

• Britannica — Tendon
• Britannica — Joint (anatomy)
• AAOS OrthoInfo — patient education library
• OSI glossary — orthopedic terminology in plain language