Overview
The distal triceps tendon joins the three heads of triceps and attaches them to the olecranon at the back of the elbow. It transmits the force that straightens the arm during pressing, throwing and pushing up from a chair.
The tendon lies immediately beneath the superficial olecranon bursa, so swelling at the point of the elbow does not always mean the tendon itself is injured.
Common Problems
Repeated pressing can irritate the tendon near its attachment. A sudden fall or forceful contraction can produce a partial or complete tear. Significant tears may create a palpable gap and make elbow extension weak or impossible against gravity.
When to Get It Assessed
A sudden pop, rapid swelling, bruising, a gap above the olecranon or marked loss of pushing strength requires prompt assessment.
References
- StatPearls. “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Triceps Muscle.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536996/
- AAOS OrthoInfo. “Triceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow.” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/triceps-tendon-tear-at-the-elbow/