Causes / typical injury mechanism: Triceps tendon rupture is typically an acute injury caused by sudden eccentric contraction of the triceps, a fall on an outstretched hand, or a direct injury to the tendon of the triceps.

Classic history and presentation: Triceps tendon rupture is an acute injury caused by sudden forces seen in sports such as competitive weightlifting. The typical patient is a competitive weightlifter presenting to the ED after attempting a heavy lift in which eccentric forces were placed on the triceps. The patient may have felt a "pop" before pain in the posterior elbow. Swelling and bruising are seen on the posterior elbow as well as loss of active extension against gravity.

Prevalence:

• Age – approximately 46 years, with most ruptures occurring between 17-61 years
• Sex / gender – more common in males versus females (approximately 2:1)

Risk factors:

• Anabolic steroid use
• Kidney disease
• Oral steroid use
• Steroid injection into the elbow bursa
• Diabetes
• Familial tendinopathy
• Infection
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotic use

Pathophysiology: Rupture of the triceps typically occurs at the tendon-bone junction resulting from a forceful eccentric contraction of the muscle.

Grade / classification system: The rupture is described as partial or complete. Ruptures can also be described by the location of the tear (eg, muscle belly, musculotendinous junction, or tendinous insertion).