Triceps Tendon Rupture Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

A rupture or tear of the triceps tendon, the strong tissue connecting the triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm to the bone of the elbow, can cause the tendon to partially or completely detach from the bone. This type of injury is often sudden and extremely painful. It can significantly limit arm strength and movement, making everyday tasks difficult until properly treated.

What causes Triceps Tendon Rupture?

A triceps tendon rupture happens  when the muscle on the back of your upper arm(triceps) tries  to straighten your elbow, but a strong force suddenly bends it the other way. Though relatively rare, it’s a serious injury often seen in athletes such as weightlifters and football players.

It usually happens due to a sudden impact, fall, or intense strain on the tendon. Additional risk factors include tendon degeneration from aging, long-term overuse, or the use of anabolic steroids, which weaken tendon tissue over time.

• How the Injury Occurs: The injury typically happens when the elbow is forced into a bent position while the triceps is contracting to straighten it, creating a powerful opposing force. This can result in either a partial or complete tear of the tendon, often accompanied by a sudden “pop” sound and immediate pain.
• Common Everyday Causes: Outside of athletics, triceps tendon ruptures can occur from falling on an outstretched arm, lifting heavy objects abruptly, or even trying to catch a falling item. People with weakened tendons due to age or certain medications are also more prone to injury during routine activities.

Triceps tendon ruptures are most common in these sports:

• Weightlifting: Heavy bench presses or overhead lifts can overload the tendon, causing it to tear under high tension.
• Football: Blocking or tackling can put extreme stress on the arm when the elbow is suddenly forced to bend.
• Rugby: Intense collisions or falls while extending the arm to brace for impact may rupture the tendon.

Symptoms

Triceps tendon rupture is marked by severe pain at the back of the elbow. You may also hear or feel a “popping” sound at the time of injury. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling and tenderness behind the elbow
• Bruising around the injury site
• Difficulty or inability to straighten the arm

Limited range of motion or weakness with elbow extension

Non-operative treatment

Initial care for a triceps tendon rupture includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce pain and swelling. However, complete tendon ruptures rarely heal on their own. 

Non-surgical repair is generally reserved for partial tears or patients with lower activity levels who do not require full arm strength. In such cases, immobilization with a splint or brace and a guided rehabilitation plan can help restore limited function.

Surgical Treatment

In most cases, especially for athletes or active individuals, surgery is required to restore full strength and motion. The procedure involves reattaching the torn tendon to its original position on the elbow bone. 

Surgeons make a small incision at the back of the elbow and use sutures, anchors, or small screws to secure the tendon firmly. This repair helps ensure proper alignment and stability as the tendon heals.