In plain language
Partial or complete tearing where triceps attaches to the olecranon, impairing elbow extension and pushing.
Clinical Significance & Management
Management depends on extension function and tear extent. Selected partial tears with useful strength may receive bracing and rehabilitation; complete tears or major deficits often prompt repair. Tissue quality and systemic disease influence planning.
Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
Posterior elbow pain, swelling and bruising
Weak extension or difficulty pushing up from a chair
Etiology & Injury Mechanisms
- Fall onto the hand or forceful eccentric load
- Direct impact, degeneration or systemic risk factors
Diagnostics & Imaging Guide
Assess tendon gap and extension against gravity
Radiographs for avulsion; ultrasound or MRI for extent
Treatment Options
Protection, suitable analgesia and load restriction
Individualized repair discussion including rerupture and stiffness
Rehabilitation Milestones & Timeline
Rehabilitation depends on the diagnosis, procedure and associated injuries. Progression requires assessment of healing, symptoms and function; elapsed time or a single test cannot determine readiness for sport.
Protection
Brace and flexion limits follow repair; avoid resisted extension
Recovery
Controlled motion before graded strengthening
Return
Restore extension strength and task-specific pushing tolerance
Evidence-Based Clarifications
Some extension can remain through intact fibers. Do not use push-ups to rule out a tear.
Sources & References
Educational clinical definitions synthesized from AAOS, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and HSS. Individual diagnosis and surgery require professional medical evaluation.
Publication date
Content updated