Age / Sex : 58 / M

Age / Sex : 58/M

Chief complaint :

post. elbow pain during golf swing 2 Months ago.

triceps tendon tear

Discussion

Findings:

Bony fragments in post. aspect of distal humeral diaphysis with soft tissue swelling at post. elbow on radiograph

T2WI MR revealed retracted torn triceps tendon with a fleck of bone embedded in it.

Differential Diagnosis:

Diagnosis:  

Triceps avulsion fx. 

(triceps tendon tear with avulsion from olecranon)

Discussion:

 The mechanism of injury in triceps tendon rupture usually involves forced flexion of the elbow against the resistance of contracting triceps muscle, which most commonly occurs during a fall on an outstretched arm. In addition, rupture of triceps tendon may also occur secondary to a direct blow, extreme concentric contraction during weight-lifting.

MR appearance includes discontinuity of tendon, retracted tendon, fluid gap in torn portion, and avulsion of tendo-osseous attachment.

Treatment spans from conservative management (rest, ice, temporary splinting) from repair or reconstruction.

References:

D.W. Stoller. MR imaging in orthopaedics and sports medicine 3^rd Ed.