Triceps Tendon Repair

What is a Triceps Tendon Repair?

Triceps tendon repair is a surgical procedure where an orthopedic surgeon reconnects the triceps tendon, which attaches the large triceps muscle on the back of the upper arm to the olecranon process (the tip of the elbow), back to the bone.

• Olecranon Bone Tunnel Technique: Drilling small tunnels through the tip of the elbow (olecranon process) to thread and knot heavy suture material.

• Suture Anchor Repair Technique: Inserting dedicated metal or biocomposite anchors directly into the olecranon to fix the tendon securely without drilling through the bone.

Your surgeon will evaluate your specific injury to determine which method is most appropriate for your recovery.

Who Should Have a Triceps Tendon Repair?

Surgery is not always necessary for every injury; individuals with partial or minor tears can often recover without an operation. In these cases, a combination of elbow immobilization and targeted physical therapy is usually suficient. However, because complete ruptures off the bone rarely heal effectivley on their own and cause significant loss of arm extension and strength, most patients with full-thickness tears require triceps tendon repair surgery to fully restore the function, pushing power, and stability of the elbow joint.

How Well Does Triceps Tendon Repair Work?

The success rate for this procedure is high, with most patients regaining between 85% and 90%+ of their original arm extension strength and full range of motion. To track your progress, your surgeon will compare the strength and extension of the injured arm against your healthy arm, providing a clear benchmark for your recovery.

A critical factor in the outcome of the surgery is the precision with which the surgeon reattaches and sets the tension of the repair. Because of this, it is highly recommended to partner with an experienced provider who performs these procedures frequently, such as the specialists at Fox Valley Orthopedics.

While some patients may experience temporary stiffness or mild weakness following surgery, these issues are typically short-lived. As with any surgical intervention, there are general risks including anesthesia complications, nerve irritation, blood clots, or infection. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we pride ourselves on maintaining very low complication rates.

What Can I Expect When I Have a Triceps Tendon Repair?

Depending on your medical history, you may be required to compelte a pre-surgical physical

to ensure all necessary health accommodations are in place. Upon arriving at the surgical facility, you will consult with your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Depending on your needs, you will receive either general anesthesia or regional nerve blocks. During the procedure, you will be positioned to allow the surgeon full access to the back of the elbow joint. Depending on your overall health and the specifics of the case, you will typically be discharged the same day to recover at home.

Following surgery, your doctor will provide a plan for pain management and icing, which typically lasts about a week. To protect the surgical repair, your arm will be immobilized in a posterior splint or locked brace, keeping the elbow straight or slightly bent, and you will be restricted from pushing or bearing weight with that arm for approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

Once this initial healing phase is complete, you and your physical therapist will develop a rehabilitation plan designed to safely restore movement and rebuild strength. The timeline for a full recovery and return to full activities or heavy pushing generally ranges from 6 to 9 months.