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Tricep Tendon Tears
Treatment for Torn Tricep Tendon
Symptoms of a Torn Tricep Tendon
The triceps tendon can tear from an injury or from overuse. An injury can occur when pushing with the arm while straightening the elbow. This can cause the triceps tendon to tear off of its attachment on the point of the elbow (olecranon bone). Repetitive weight lifting or other activities where the elbow is pushing against resistance can cause partial tears of the triceps. Over time these partial tears can become larger and painful. Most patients complain of pain and weakness with day to day activities and pushing motions.
Torn Tricep Tendon Treatment & Recovery
Partial tears of the triceps can be treated with rest from movements that cause pain or weakness, ice and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases physical therapy may be prescribed. Patients are permitted light pushing activities when they are pain-free. If pain and weakness persist for 6 weeks or more, an MRI will be ordered and surgery will be scheduled.
With complete tears of the triceps, the surgeon can often feel a hole in the tendon and there is severe weakness. This requires surgery to reattach the tendon to the bony tip of the elbow (olecranon).
For partial and complete tears, sutures are placed in the triceps tendon. The sutures are used to pull the tendon down to the bone with an anchor. After surgery, a hinged brace is applied to the elbow. Over the coming 4-6 weeks, the brace is adjusted by the surgeon to gradually allow full range of motion. Physical therapy may be prescribed after the brace is removed. If there is full pain-free motion and good strength, patients can resume full activities 6 months after surgery.
As Richmond's top boutique orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Goradia of G2 Orthopedics can help you recover from a torn tricep tendon, whether it's complete or partial, so you can get back in motion doing the things you love.
