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Triceps Tendinopathy is a term used to describe an injury to the tendons of the triceps. The triceps brachii muscle is a large, thick muscle on the back of the upper arm that is composed of three heads (tri = three, cep = head). Each of the three heads originates in a different location, but all three combine to form a single tendon that inserts into the posterior elbow (Tiwana, et. al., 2023).
Injuries to the triceps tendon near the elbow are among the rarest tendinopathies around the elbow and little research has been conducted for this reason. (Donaldson, et. al, 2014)
Ruptures to these tendons are even more rare and account for <1% of all upper extremity tendon ruptures and 2% of all tendon injuries (Sharma et al, 2005). Incidence of rupture increases with chronic renal disease with secondary hyperparathyroidism, olecranon bursitis and steroid injections (Donaldson, et. al, 2014).
Many people often refer to triceps tendinopathy as “posterior tennis elbow” due to the similarity in symptom presentation and treatment options.
Patients that have triceps tendinopathy often complain of increased symptoms while doing activity.
Individuals may also experience swelling and palpable tenderness over the triceps during examination. Pain may also be present with resistance of wrist extension.
The pain is often worse at the end of the day compared to the morning and worsens throughout activities.
If you feel a “gap” along your triceps tendon, there is a strong possibility that you have sustained a triceps rupture. (Donaldson, et. al, 2014)
What are my treatment options?
For those with triceps tendinopathy, treatment options are categorized into operative and non-operative.
Individuals that have not sustained a complete rupture of the tendon typically utilize the non-surgical option. Donaldson et. al. states that “Surgical intervention should be considered after a minimum of 1 year of attempted conservative treatment with debridement of the affected tendon and early mobilization.”. They also note that following 6 months of conservative care, if pain is still present, to attempt other courses of non-operative treatment such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
Donaldson, O., Vannet, N., Gosens, T., & Kulkarni, R. (2014). Tendinopathies Around the Elbow Part 2: Medial Elbow, Distal Biceps and Triceps Tendinopathies. Shoulder & elbow, 6(1), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/sae.12022
Sharma, S. C., Singh, R., Goel, T., & Singh, H. (2005). Missed diagnosis of triceps tendon rupture: a case report and review of literature. Journal of orthopaedic surgery (Hong Kong), 13(3), 307–309. https://doi.org/10.1177/230949900501300317
Demirhan, M., & Ersen, A. (2017). Distal triceps ruptures. EFORT open reviews, 1(6), 255–259. https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.1.000038
Tiwana MS, Sinkler MA, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Triceps Muscle. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/b...