Triceps muscle tear

Triceps muscle tear

The triceps is the only extensor muscle in the arm. When it is pulled and torn, all elbow extension becomes painful and active extension of the elbow joint ceases. A muscle rupture occurs when the continuity of the muscle is broken. The rupture can be partial or complete and is characterised by severe pain and immobility of the affected limb.

Muscle injuries are often associated with ligament and bone injuries. The symptoms of these injuries are largely similar: pain, difficulty or complete inability to move the injured limb, swelling, changes in the shape of the limb. For the diagnosis of collateral injuries, RTG is recommended in the first instance, but the muscle can best be examined directly by ultrasound. After a few days of strict rest, physiotherapy and rehabilitation can follow. The load on the muscle should only be increased gradually and in a planned manner. If conservative treatment does not produce satisfactory results, surgical treatment is necessary.

Investigation: orthopaedic-traumatologist specialist

Therapy: orthopaedic-traumatologist specialist, physiotherapist-physiotherapist