A case series of a rare tendon rupture

Abstract

The distal triceps tendon rupture is a rare finding. Only 1% of tendon ruptures are related to it. The triceps brachii muscle has three parts. All of them insert together at the posterior surface of olecranon. Mostly, the tendon ruptured at this level of insertion. The typically trauma mechanism is a fall on the hand with fully extended elbow or a direct trauma. There are also some cases described after weightlifting or secondary due to insufficiency after total joint replacement of the elbow. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings. Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic is secondary but might help to differentiate between partial or complete rupture as well as to assess tendon retraction. The diagnosis should be treated operatively. Until today, there is no standard of art of surgery techniques. We describe three cases with traumatic triceps tendon rupture fixed by a transosseous refixation.