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Case Reports
. 2014 Jan;24(1):97-9.
doi: 10.4314/ejhs.v24i1.14.

Triceps tendon avulsion: a rare injury

Pulak Sharma  1 , Mayank Vijayargiya  1 , Suneet Tandon  1 , Sanjeev Gaur  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Triceps tendon avulsion: a rare injury

Pulak Sharma et al. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2014 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Triceps tendon avulsion is one of the rare tendinous injuries. Such injuries can easily be missed, and should be kept as a differential diagnosis in all patients who present with pain and swelling at the back of the elbow after a traumatic event.

Case details: We present a case of triceps tendon avulsion which was missed in the initial workup by a local practitioner. Careful physical examination and evaluation of the X-rays clinched the diagnosis. The patient was treated surgically by transosseous suture technique using the Krakow method. The end result was a good range of movement and a power equal to the uninjured side. A high index of suspicion, physical examination seeking a palpable gap, and search for a 'flake' fracture on lateral radiographs will help make the diagnosis of triceps avulsion. Early recognition of these injuries and prompt intervention are the cornerstones of a successful outcome. A second examination after a few days, when the swelling has reduced, should be the standard in doubtful cases or during any unclear joint injury. We recommend a primary repair through a transosseous suture technique using Krakow method for optimal results.

Keywords: Ethibond; Krakow; Triceps avulsion.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Avulsed osseous fragment from the olecranon (the ‘flake’ sign)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Triceps tendon repaired using Krakow method
Fig 3
Fig 3
Postoperative X-ray
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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