Triceps tendon rupture is rare and easily missed on presentation. A 58-year-old man was seen in our accident and emergency department with an inability to extend his right elbow against gravity after he fell. Ultrasound and MRI confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a traumatic triceps tendon rupture and excluded additional injuries. Surgical repair was carried out by a bone anchor suture reinsertion of the tendon to the olecranon. After 2 weeks of cast immobilisation, an early active range of motion (ROM) rehabilitation schedule was followed, resulting in excellent elbow function at 12 weeks postoperatively.In conclusion, it is important to suspect this rare injury and use additional studies to confirm the diagnosis of triceps tendon rupture. Also, good clinical outcome with regards to function can be achieved using bone anchor suture repair and an early active ROM rehabilitation schedule.
Keywords: musculoskeletal and joint disorders; orthopaedic and trauma surgery.
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