The avulsion of the triceps tendon falls into the category of rare tendinous lesions and represents the rupture of the tendon at its insertion on the elbow bone (the olecranon). The triceps tendon connects the brachial triceps muscle to the olecranon (hard tip of the elbow). Tendon damage is quite traumatic and requires a lot of strength and can happen in weightlifting or in contact sports or sports with high impact.

The triceps brachial muscle is a long and voluminous muscle, located on the posterior part of the arm, stretching from the shoulder blade to the elbow. Its upper extremity is divided into three branches or heads of origin (hence the name triceps), namely:

➢ long head (long portion of the triceps)

➢ lateral head (the lateral vast)

➢ the medial head (the medial vast)

The simple extension (stretching) of the forearm highlights the triceps muscle.

The main function of the muscle is to extend the forearm and straighten the elbow, but it also contributes to the extension of the shoulder backwards and to the stabilization of the shoulder joint.

➢ a trauma, but it can also occur spontaneously or after surgery for a previous injury.

➢ a fall on the outstretched arm, with the elbow in the middle of the flexion, with or without a concomitant direct blow at the elbow level

➢ chronic renal failure or hyperparathyroidism may be predisposing factors

➢ sometimes triceps avulsion is associated with weightlifting, humeral fractures, corticosteroid injections into the triceps region, olecranon bursitis or the use of anabolic steroids.

Most of the time it manifests itself with:

➢ pain

➢ swelling

➢ palpable deviation (difference) proximally to the olecranon

1. locally applied ice, in sessions of 5-10 minutes, 3-5 times a day. Always put a thin towel between the ice and the area on which it is applied.

2. elevation (raising the upper limb on a pillow or support, above the level of the heart)

3. active movement of the shoulder, wrist and fingers.

In case of complete ruptures, the treatment consists of surgical intervention for reattachment of the tendon to the olecranon, followed by a period of immobilization of 10 days.

After the immobilization period, the recovery program through physical therapy begins.

Exercise programs will gradually increase in intensity and load.

Thus:

➢ initially it will work to tone the shoulder and wrist muscles

➢ it will continue with active elbow flexion exercises

➢ exercises with resistance for elbow extension

➢ exercises for toning of the brachial triceps muscle.

Resumption of sports activities can be done after 12-16 weeks postoperatively.