Avulsion injury of the triceps tendon is an uncommon injury. It is one of the least common injuries to the elbow but is nevertheless more common than an intramuscular triceps tear.
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Clinical presentation
Patients usually present with regional pain, swelling and inability to extend to the elbow with an appropriate antecedent history of trauma.
Pathology
The mechanism of injury usually occurs from an eccentric contraction against forced flexion or a direct blow to the elbow 3.
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
May show soft tissue thickening along the posterior arm +/- an avulsed bony fragment off the olecranon.
Ultrasound
The avulsed bone fragment may be identified with a targeted scan along with soft tissue thickening and fluid.
MRI
Will additionally show a thickened +/- retracted tendon. Regional edema and fluid are seen as:
T2: high signal
STIR: high signal
Treatment and prognosis
This injury requires surgical fixation.
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