Triceps Tendon Repair

In this video, Dr. Grant H. Garcia breaks down the patient demographics, clinical presentation, and specific surgical techniques used for repairing triceps tendon ruptures at the elbow.

Here is a summary of the core medical insights he shares:

• Risk Factors and Patient Profile: Triceps ruptures are significantly less common than biceps tears. They are most frequently seen in bodybuilders and weightlifters (statistically more common in males), and can sometimes be associated with underlying factors like steroid use or systemic kidney issues.
• The Subtlety of the Injury: Unlike distal biceps ruptures—which tend to be highly obvious with clear physical deformities—triceps tears can be much more subtle. While the patient will experience weakness, the tear frequently only involves a partial section (such as the lateral head of the triceps) rather than a complete, full-width avulsion off the bone, making careful clinical evaluation essential.
• Surgical Approach and Tissue Release: Because of the unique nature of the triceps muscle structure, the vast majority of these ruptures require surgical intervention. The surgeon must perform careful soft-tissue releases to ensure the retracted tendon can be pulled back down safely. While a cadaver donor graft is occasionally required for chronic or severe cases, primary repair without a graft is achievable most of the time.
• Fixation Technique: To achieve maximum stability and allow the patient to safely balance post-operative arm extension and flexion recovery, Dr. Garcia utilizes a "double-row" fixation method. This technique involves placing a row of small anchors directly into the bone footprint, passing the sutures through the tendon, and securing them tightly down to a secondary row of anchors to maximize the tissue-to-bone contact area.