Triceps avulsion fracture in a weightlifter

A Narrative Review on Avulsion Fractures of the Upper and Lower Limbs

Avulsion fractures compromise function and movement at the affected joint. If left untreated, it can lead to deformity, nonunion, malunion, pain, and disability. The purpose of this review was to identify and describe the epidemiology and available treatment options for common avulsion fractures of the upper and lower extremities. Current evidence suggests that optimal treatment is dependent on the severity of the fracture. Conservative efforts generally include casting or splinting with a period of immobilization. Surgery is typically indicated for more severe cases or if nonoperative treatments fail; patient demographics or preferences and surgeon experience may also play a role in decision making. Some avulsion fractures can be surgically managed with any one of various techniques, each with their own pros and cons, and often there is no clear consensus on choosing one technique over another; however, there is some research suggesting that screw fixation, when possible, may offer the best stability and compression at the fracture site and earlier mobilization and return to function. Physicians should be mindful of the potential complications associated with each intervention.

Surgical treatment of distal triceps ruptures

BACKGROUND

Distal triceps tendon ruptures occur rarely, and the diagnosis is often missed when the injury is acute. The literature provides little guidance regarding treatment or the outcome of treatment of these injuries. The goal of this report was to present our experience with the diagnosis, timing and technique of surgical treatment, and outcome of treatment of distal triceps tendon ruptures in twenty-two patients. None of the ruptures followed joint replacement.

METHODS

Twenty-three procedures were performed in twenty-two patients with an average age of forty-seven years. The average duration of follow-up was ninety-three months (range, seven to 264 months). Data were obtained by a retrospective review of records and radiographs before and after surgery. Also, thirteen patients returned for follow-up and were examined clinically. Six additional patients responded to a telephone questionnaire. One patient was lost to follow-up, and two had died. Formal biomechanical evaluation of isokinetic strength and isokinetic work was performed in eight patients, at an average of eighty-eight months after surgery. Isokinetic strength data were available from the charts of two additional patients.

RESULTS

Ten of the triceps tendon ruptures were initially misdiagnosed. At the time of diagnosis, triceps weakness with a decreased active range of motion was found in most patients, and a palpable defect in the tendon was noted after sixteen ruptures. Operative findings revealed a complete tendon rupture in eight cases and partial injuries in fifteen. Fourteen primary repairs and nine reconstructions of various types were performed. Three of the primary repairs were followed by rerupture. At the time of follow-up, the range of elbow motion averaged 10 degrees to 136 degrees. All but two elbows had a functional range of motion; however, the lack of a functional range in the two elbows was probably due to posttraumatic arthritis and not to the triceps tendon rupture. Triceps strength was noted to be 4/5 or 5/5 on manual testing in all examined subjects. Isokinetic testing of ten patients showed that peak strength was, on the average, 82% of that of the untreated extremity. Testing showed the average endurance of the involved extremity to be 99% of that of the uninvolved arm. The results after repair and reconstruction were comparable, but the patients' recovery was slower after reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of distal triceps tendon rupture is often missed when the injury is acute because of swelling and pain. Primary repair of the ruptured tendon is always possible when it is performed within three weeks after the injury. When the diagnosis is in doubt immediately after an injury, the patient should be followed closely and should be reexamined after the swelling and pain have diminished so that treatment can be instituted before the end of this three-week period. Reconstruction of the tendon is a much more complex, challenging procedure, and the postoperative recovery is slower. Thus, we believe that early surgical repair, within three weeks after the injury, is the treatment of choice for distal triceps tendon ruptures. of evidence.

Elbow injuries

The elbow is a commonly injured joint, yet physicians may be less comfortable treating injuries to the elbow compared with knee and shoulder injuries. Common injuries involving the elbow are tendinosis, instability, tendon ruptures, osteochondritis dissecans, and fractures. Tendinosis is a common overuse injury and may occur on the lateral, medial, or infrequently, the posterior side of the elbow. Injury to the medial or lateral ulnar collateral ligaments may result in instability. Repetitive trauma from overuse is the most common etiologic factor in athletes. Distal biceps and triceps tendon injuries may result in elbow disability in active individuals. Partial tears are more difficult to diagnose than complete ruptures. Osteochondritis dissecans of capitellum affects adolescents involved in overhead throwing athletics. Fractures about the elbow most commonly involve the radial head in adults, and the distal humerus in children. Athletes are prone to elbow injuries resulting from both overuse and acute trauma. Our purpose is to describe the diagnosis and treatment of these common elbow injuries in athletes of all ages.

Triceps tendon rupture in weight lifters

Triceps tendon avulsion injuries are rare. We report four weight lifters with triceps tendon raptures, two of whom had received local steroid injections for pain in the triceps. All four patients had taken oral anabolic steroids before injury. All patients had closed avulsion of the triceps tendon from its insertion into the olecranon. Three patients were injured while bench pressing heavy weights, and one patient was injured while swinging a baseball bat. Satisfactory results were achieved after surgical reinsertion of the tendon.