Distal Triceps Rupture In High School Football
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Jeanine Veress
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Athletic Training
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Nicole Lowy
Abstract:
Distal triceps rupture occurs when the tricep tendon detaches from its attachment point on the olecranon process of the ulna resulting in partial or complete weakness of elbow extension. This injury is rare and has an incidence rate of 0.8%. There are multiple risk factors for sustaining a distal triceps tendon rupture, however, this injury can occur simply as a result of trauma. Typically the signs and symptoms of this injury include pain, hearing or feeling a “pop” in the elbow at the time of injury, swelling and ecchymosis. There are different repairs for this injury and unless the patient is unfit for surgery, surgery is typically recommended. With this injury being so rare, when it does occur it requires immediate surgery in order for the best outcomes. The distal insertion of the triceps can rupture from a block activity involving sports such as football. Immediate imaging is required for appropriate diagnosis and surgery is necessary to repair the tear.