Rupture of the Triceps Brachii muscle
Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
A rupture of the distal triceps is the most uncommon rupture in the upper extremity, namely less than 1% of all the upper extremity tendon injuries.[1][2]
Epidemiology / Etiology[edit | edit source]
We can associate triceps ruptures with a traumatic injury or sometimes it occurs after a surgical procedure where the triceps was reattached. For example some case reports confirm triceps ruptures after following total elbow arthroplasty. There are some predisposing factors for triceps rupture like : systematic endocrine disorders, renal failure, anabolic steroid use, local steroid injection, and chronic olecranon bursitis. When the triceps is placed in an unfavorable loading condition like lowering a very heavy object, the triceps can be at risk. The patient describes often an unexpected “pop” or giving way. Subsequently the patient has pain and weakness in the extremity. [1]