[Complete triceps tendon rupture; a rare tendon injury]

Only 1% of all tendon injuries affect the triceps tendon, making triceps ruptures very rare. An acute rupture can therefore easily be missed due to a low degree of suspicion. A palpable gap, inability to flex the elbow against resistance and a positive modified Thompson test are indicative for a complete triceps tendon rupture. The mechanism of injury is most commonly a sudden eccentric muscle contraction. We present the case of a 48-year-old man with an acute complete triceps tendon rupture, after a fall from an unstable chair while performing a one arm push-up. The rupture was surgically treated with Krackow sutures tunneled through drill holes in the olecranon. Postoperative treatment consisted of gradually increasing elbow flexion for six weeks with a brace. Three months following the operation, 150 degree flexion was possible with a 5 degree extension limitation. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 10.5. We demonstrate that early diagnosis and treatment facilitate excellent functional outcome.