Triceps Tendon Tears Treatment
The triceps are used to extend the arm and straighten the elbow. The triceps connects at the shoulder blade and the elbow in the back of the arm with the help of tendons on each end. The triceps tendon connects this strong muscle to the elbow and is put under stress when the arm is straightening against force. Although rare, triceps tendons can rupture or tear, usually in a sports injury. Our orthopedic sports medicine specialists at DOCS Health offer triceps tendon tears treatment at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Triceps tendon tears or ruptures only occur in specific circumstances. Due to the location and function, the triceps tendon usually is contracting to extend or straighten the elbow, but the elbow is forced into a bent position, tearing the tendon. This elbow injury can occur in football or other contact sports when a player is extending their arm and an impact forces the elbow to bend.
Triceps Tendon Rupture Symptoms
A partial or complete triceps tendon rupture can be difficult to self-diagnose. The arm and elbow can still function, even if the triceps tendon is damaged. However, there are some noticeable changes. There may be tenderness or swelling on the back of the arm above the elbow. If the tendon is completely torn, there may be a deformity, a space where the tendon should attach to the elbow and a bulge where it has recoiled to further up on the arm. Triceps tendon ruptures can also cause weakness when extending or straightening the arm.
Partially torn tendons can heal with conservative treatments. However, complete triceps tendon tears treatment usually requires surgery. The triceps tendon is reattached to the elbow with anchors drilled into the bone, followed by wearing a splint then a brace, and followed by physical therapy.
If you have sustained an injury to your triceps tendon, contact us at DOCS Health at our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles to schedule your exam and consultation. We can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options to help ensure your recovery.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.