Fractures of the triceps tendon, which involve the separation of the triceps muscle from the elbow bone (olecranon) are injuries that occur by forced bending of the elbow during intense weight training or when the proper warm-up is not done before training, or the muscle is overworked/tired.

The role of tendons in general is to attach muscles to the bones.

The tendons of the triceps are firmly attached to the bone.

They are responsible for straightening the elbow.

When the tendon ruptures, it detaches from the bone and the triceps muscle is no longer able to pull the bone, which leads to difficulty in expanding the elbow.

A rupture of the triceps tendon can be classified into three degrees:

➢ 1st degree – very slight rupture of the tendon
➢ 2nd degree – slight/small rupture of the tendon
➢ 3rd degree – severe rupture of the tendon.
2nd and 3rd degrees can be problematic.

The triceps brachial muscle is a long and voluminous muscle, located on the posterior side 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): the long head (the long portion of the triceps), the lateral head (the lateral vast) and the medial head (the medial vast). All three ends of the muscle are inserted, through the tendons, in the elbow bone (olecranon).

Any of the tendons of these heads might break.

A complete rupture of all 3 tendons is very rare.

The simple extension (stretching) of the forearm highlights the triceps brachial 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 back and to the stabilization of the shoulder joint.

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve pain and inflammation, but are recommended for short periods of time, 7-14 days.

Ice applied topically, in sessions of 5-10 minutes 3-5 times a day, helps relieve inflammation. Always put a thin towel between the ice and the area on which it is applied.

Surgical restoration of the tendon that is completely broken is necessary for the complete extension of the elbow. During the intervention, the tendon is reattached to the bone. After surgery, the elbow is immobilized in a plastered splint for 1-2 weeks to help protect it, followed by immobilization in a removable orthosis for about 6-8 weeks, the orthosis that will allow the elbow to bend.

It is recommended to start the specific exercise program approximately 4 weeks after surgery. The same recovery program through physical therapy is indicated in the case of partial ruptures that do not require surgery. The recovery program is done under the supervision of a physical therapist including a series of exercises whose intensity and loading will gradually increase, namely:

➢ elbow extension exercises
➢ exercises with weights
➢ exercises that develop explosive force (is based on fast and strong muscle contractions)
➢ throwing exercises.

Complete return to sports activities is done at about 4-6 months after the surgery, with a progressive load on the triceps muscle.