Shoulder · Elbow tendons
Distal triceps tendon repair
Triceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow
The condition
The triceps tendon attaches the triceps muscle to the tip of the elbow (the olecranon). A triceps tendon tear usually happens from a fall onto an outstretched hand or a sudden heavy push, such as a bench press. It causes pain and swelling at the back of the elbow and weakness or inability to straighten the elbow against resistance.
The surgery
Triceps repair is a typically outpatient surgery done through an incision at the back of the elbow. The tendon is reattached to the bone with strong sutures, using small tunnels in the bone and/or anchors. Older tears may need a cadaver tendon graft; if so, this will be discussed with you. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Splint & brace
- A splint for 2 weeks, then a hinged elbow brace that allows a little more bending each week, reaching 90° by at least 6 weeks, ideally earlier. The brace comes off soon after.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. No pushing (including pushing up from a chair) or weight on the surgical arm for 12 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Strengthening
- Straightening the elbow on its own starts ~6 weeks, with light resistance only until 12 weeks. Push-ups and weights follow gradually; heavy pressing comes last.
- Work & sports
- Unrestricted activity and sports at 4–6 months. Older tears or graft repairs progress more slowly.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients regain strength for pushing and straightening the elbow. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, re-tear of the tendon, ulnar nerve irritation (numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers), irritation from sutures or anchors, wound healing problems, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery