DISTAL TRICEPS TENDON RUPTURE DUE TO OLECRANON OSTEOPHYTE AVULSION: A CASE SERIES.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case series of distal triceps tendon rupture associated with olecranon osteophyte avulsion, a rare condition with few reports in the literature.

METHODS

This study analyzed patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2011 and 2022 for distal triceps tendon rupture associated with olecranon osteophyte avulsion. Clinical and radiographic characteristics, pain levels, and functional outcomes were assessed using the Q-DASH and MEPS scores.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in pain between the 1st and 12th weeks (mean VAS from 5.8 to 0.8; p<0.001). The mean Q-DASH score improved from 1.9 to 0.2 between the 6th and 12th months (p=0.003). The MEPS remained high throughout the follow-up period (final mean: 100). Patients operated on within 7 days from trauma had less residual pain (p=0.02). Smokers had worse functional scores at 6 months (p=0.04). Previous elbow pain was associated with worse pain score in the first week post op (p=0.048), but no difference in final outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for triceps tendon rupture with olecranon osteophyte avulsion led to significant improvements in pain and function. Factors such as time to treatment, smoking, and age influence recovery. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.