J Korean Soc Surg Hand.  2012 Dec;17(4):200-205. 10.12790/jkssh.2012.17.4.200.

Triceps Tendon Avulsion with a Bony Flake from the Olecranon: Three Cases Report

• Lee DH
• Kim SB
• Heo YM
• Yi JW
• Nam HJ

• KMID: 1425264
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/jkssh.2012.17.4.200

Abstract

Triceps tendon avulsion from the olecranon is a rare injury. Missed or delayed diagnosis may result in a weakness of strength or a decreased range of motion of the elbow. This injury is usually caused by a fall on the outstretched hand or a direct blow to the posterior arm. In addition, the rupture of the triceps tendon is implicated by a sudden eccentric contraction of the triceps muscle. To determine whether the rupture is complete or incomplete is critical to guide the treatment method. A small avulsed fragment from the olecranon may be detected on lateral radiographs of the elbow. We report three cases of the triceps tendon avulsion with a bony flake from the olecranon, which were surgically treated, along with a brief review of the literature.

Keyword

Triceps tendon; Olecranon; Avulsion injury

MeSH Terms

Arm
Contracts
Delayed Diagnosis
Elbow
Hand
Muscles
Olecranon Process
Range of Motion, Articular
Rupture
Tendons

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Lateral radiograph with an avulsed fragment posterior to elbow joint. (B) magnetic resonance imaging shows a diffuse subcutaneous contusion and combined hematoma at posterior aspect of left elbow. The triceps tendon is avulsed from the olecranon. (C) Intraoperative photograph shows a complete avulsion of triceps tendon. (D) Avulsed tendon is repaired on the olecranon using a Krachow-type suture. (E) Radiograph performed at 28 months follow-up shows a bony union of avulsed fragment. (F, G) Clinical photos show a normal range of motion of left elbow at final follow-up.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) Lateral radiograph showing a shallow bony fragment avulsed from an insertion site of the olecranon by triceps tendon. (B) Final radiograph shows a bony union of avulsed fragment. (C, D) No limitation of motion of right elbow is observed at final follow-up.

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  Fig. 3 (A) Lateral radiograph showing a small bony fragment posterior to elbow joint. (B) Lateral radiograph at 28 months follow-up. Ruptured triceps tendon was repaired using suture anchor after the excision of small avulsed fragment.

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